112 THE GARDENER. [March 



Hyacinths, defy tlie packing process. Flowers should, therefore, be 

 cut with as long stalks as possible ; even Geraniums, however averse 

 we may be to the sacrifice, ought to be cut with a piece of the 

 wood and foliage. Tliere is nothing more easy than to overdo 

 the decoration of the dinner-table ; the butler thinks of the exhibition 

 of his gold and silver, the gardener is expected to put in his best 

 appearance — the conflicting elements combined often result in some- 

 thing like an attractive stand at a bazaar. Since the fashion of table 

 ct la Russe was imported, and dining-tables no longer groaning under 

 the weight of roast-beef, nothing should be introduced out of keeping with 

 the companionship of the dessert. The view from the level of the eye, 

 when the guest is seated, should be uninterrupted; so that specimen or 

 bush plants, however well grown or flowered, should be confined to the 

 drawing-room, unless grown as standards — then small plants of Azaleas 

 or Rhododendrons are admissible, Roses, and such things as Cytisus, 

 drooping Acacias, and standard Geraniums, of whatever sorts, but 

 especially the cut-leaved sorts, as the old Lady Plymouth, or the new 

 variegated Ivy leaves. The Squire's Gardener. 



HINTS FOR AMATEURS.— MARCH. 



There should be little work left to be done among fruit-trees this 

 month ; but often a press of work elsewhere prevents some from doing 

 what is required at the proper time. We have often planted late in 

 April with tolerable success, but would not recommend it to be done 

 if it could be avoided. Mulching, to keep out drought, instead of 

 doing it to keep the roots dry and free from frost (as in autumn plant- 

 ing), will have to be carefully attended to, and watering done if soil 

 should become very dry. Give one good soaking and have done with it : 

 this, when mulching is used, is generally enough. Young trees should 

 not be fastened tightly to walls, tfec, until they have sunk asfar as the 

 soil will allow them ; and they should be examined frequently to see 

 that the ties or shreds are not injuring the bark, as they are sure to 

 do if the trees sink much. Give protection to fruit-buds with canvas. 

 Spruce branches, or whatever may be used. "Wide copings of boards 

 are much in favour with some, and when they are made to move 

 easily off and on, they give little trouble, and are useful, when fruit is 

 ripe and ripening, for throwing off wet. Figs on walls, wrapt up in 

 straw, &c., may be only partially uncovered, as severe frost may yet 

 be experienced. Bush fruits, left unpruned to keep them safe from 

 birds, may now have attention. Dustings of lime and white threads 



