540 THE GARDENER. [Dec. 



mending. Make borders 3 feet deep, and drain them so that no water 

 can ever remain long about the roots or soil, to cool and paralyse the 

 one, and render the other unfit as a nourishing source. 



"Whence came those magnificent examples of Muscat Grapes, backed 

 by 200 similar bunches, exhibited before the London Fruit Committee 

 last month by Mr Johnstone, Glamis Castle ? From borders faultlessly 

 drained and traversed by air-drains, where a constant flow of water 

 from any source is carefully guarded against, but where periodical 

 waterings and mulchings are as carefully attended to. The very same 

 conditions apply to the production of those splendid examples of 

 Muscat and other tender Grapes so frequently shown by Mr Fowler, 

 Castle Kennedy. He is most careful on the drainage point, but 

 equally careful as to watering and mulchings, and such we are not far 

 wrong in saying are two of the chief points in all Grape-growing that 

 has been continuously successful. 



Referring to pot-grown Grapes, we have seen crops ruined by standing 

 the pots in pans of water, while the best crops we have ever seen were 

 with the pots standing on a bare stone or wooden bench, so that the 

 water could drain entirely away every time the plants were watered. 

 Of course a bountiful supply of water was one of the chief conditions 

 of success, but to allow of its standing about the roots or soil was re- 

 garded as an evil to be scrupulously avoided. 



NOTES ON "AMERICAN" OR PEAT -SOIL SHRUBS. 



VACCINIUM. 



In this extensive genus, popularly called Whortleberries, we have a 

 great number of species well adapted for cultivation in this country, 

 most of them sufficiently interesting and distinct in their habits and 

 general appearance to justify their being recommended as desirable 

 hardy Shrubs ; and while we venture to name a few of those we con- 

 sider most useful for a select collection, there are many others ornamental 

 enough for admission to any American garden in which space can be 

 afforded for their reception. 



All the sorts produce more or less abundantly wholesome and pal- 

 atable berries, which are largely used in a variety of ways in their 

 native localities, and in some cases form important articles of com- 

 merce. The season of flowering is May and June, the fruit being ripe 

 in October. To grow these plants well, a rich peaty soil and a damp 

 situation are indispensable, and though with these conditions they are 

 found to thrive in the ordinary open borders, they prefer an eastern 



