550 THE GARDENER. [Dec. 



HINTS FOR AMATEURS. -DECEMBER. 



WnERE all leaves are off trees, bcddiiig-plaiits trenched down, refuse 

 of crops cleared away, and the garden comparatively bare, it is easily 

 seen where the strength of the cultivator lies. In summer, when there 

 is profusion of everything, the more skilful portion of the gardener's 

 work is often passed by unobserved. But now there is nothing to 

 take off the attention from the more important things, it is well to 

 have them in condition, so that they will bear inspection. The 

 primary objects in a garden at this season are walls filled with well- 

 trained trees loaded with fruit-buds, the wood trained regularly over 

 every space, except about a foot above ground to keep the fruit free 

 from dirt. No canker, rough naked branches, old trees which never 

 produce fruit, or worthless sorts, should be tolerated in the smallest 

 garden. Bushes and trees of all kinds should "be clean in the bark, 

 healthy in their growth, and not too high or crowded. In orchards 

 they may be different ; where the fruit-garden cannot bear inspection, 

 there is yet plenty of time to get it in order this season. Though 

 November is the month in which many plant their trees, there are 

 many who never think of doing it till far on in the season, when 

 work of all kinds is abundant, and trees have not half the chance of 

 doing well as those planted in autumn. We would say to those who 

 have empty walls, or borders for dwarf standards, x>lant without delay, 

 give plenty of fresh soil, keep the trees well above the surrounding 

 level, mulch well, and secure against wind. Pruning, nailing, and 

 tying should be brought to a close as early as weather will permit. If 

 there is any doubt by the inexperienced in regard to pruning Pears, 

 they may be left till their plump fruit-buds are easily distinguished. 

 If the spurs are very thick on the trees, those growing outwards may 

 be cut off. Thinning them judiciously will do much to secure crops of 

 fine fruit ; but if the growths have been strong, soft, and badly ripened, 

 no system of pruning will make the trees fruitful ; root-lifting or root- 

 pruning can alone give satisfaction. Pruning of trees should not be 

 performed when the wood is frozen, as the bark is then liable to be 

 injured, causing canker and other evils. 



JSTailing, where there are no wires to fasten the shoots to, is generally 

 performed by severely injuring the walls, as well as making endless 

 nests for insects. We have for a number of years given up the use of 

 shreds, and very few nails are used after the tree has grown to its full 

 size ; leading branches are trained regularly over the walls, and the 

 side shoots are kept regular, so that when the wood which has carried 

 fruit during the past season is cut out, the shoot for next season's supply 

 takes its place, and is tied to the nail which has been in use before ; and 



