iSyi.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 31 



and dwarf-trees of all kinds should be left free, as suckers would soon 

 be troublesome. All Apples, Pears, and Plums require to be examined 

 to keep them clear of suckers from the stocks. It may be well to re- 

 mark to beginners that there is nothing gained by crowding trees with 

 young wood — a practice which often causes short supplies and inferior 

 fruit. Old Pears on walls should have their spurs thinned where they 

 have been allowed to grow straight out and get crowded. Those close 

 to the wall are likely to be most productive, especially in cold northern 

 localities. If there is any uncertainty about flower and fruit buds (by 

 the inexperienced) on Pear-trees, it may be safe to leave them till next 

 month, when the swelling flower-buds are more easily distinguished from 

 the pointed ones, which are to produce wood only. Nail and tie all 

 trees when weather will permit ; see that the branches are not likely 

 to be injured by pressing on the nails, and remove all ties which are 

 likely to become too tight. Natural spurs, where they are close to 

 the wall, should be retained, as they generally fruit freely. This ap- 

 plies very much to Plums and Apricots, as the annual supplies of young 

 shoots are often not well ripened. The fastening of young trees may 

 only be done in a temporary way till the soil settles down, keeping 

 their roots well protected with litter, &c. Keeping the bark of trees 

 free from insects, moss, &c., should have attention if healthy trees are 

 desired. 



Wherever improvements, renovations, or alterations of any kind are 

 to be carried out, no time should be lost in completing the work. Drain- 

 ing is very essential in every garden, and in connection with every 

 dwelling, pipe or stone drains, when substantially made, last a long 

 time : rain-water from roofs, when not wanted for domestic purposes, 

 should be led into a well-built tank under ground, or where it would 

 not be in the way, and yet where it could be serviceable for watering 

 plants of every description that required it. Walk-making can be 

 done when weather will allow. If the subsoil is heavy, drains may be 

 required to take off the surface-water ; where the bottom is sand or 

 gravel, open material (such as stones and broken bricks) placed for 

 foundation of walks, will allow water to pass off freely. A walk when 

 finished should be smooth, firm, and free from any holes in which 

 water may lodge after heavy rain or snow. Such holes may be observed 

 in wet weather, and should have gravel placed in them and made firm. 

 Edgings for walks may be formed in open weather : where turf is 

 desirable, and can be used, edgings of it less than 2 feet have a mean 

 appearance, and they are easily destroyed when very narrow. In laying 

 turf, the ground should be made level and thoroughly firm ; the turfs 

 should then be fitted neatly, and well beaten or rolled flat, and the 

 edges next the walks or borders may then be evenly cut to the proper 



