210 THE GARDENER. [May 



subject in hand. If means are taken to confine the roots within the 

 limits of an over-rich border, strong growth is maintained so long as 

 the organic portions of the compound are decomposing ; and when large 

 proportions of rank manures are used, it requires but a few years to 

 reduce the organic parts of the composition to a pulpy mass, in which 

 the roots of Vines, or any fruit-tree, cannot exist in a healthy 

 condition. 



Then if precautions are not taken to keep the roots within the limits 

 of the border, they quickly extend into the materials in front of it, 

 which generally are of a much poorer character, and unable to afford 

 the over-fed Vines their usual supply of stimulants ; consequently this 

 sudden diminution of food causes exhaustion in the whole system 

 of the Vines, thereby making them an easy prey to any of the various 

 diseases or enemies to which they are subject. 



It is therefore plain that over-rich borders are a mistake, whether 

 the roots are confined to the border or allowed to ramble at will. In 

 either case strong growth and "famous crops" are of but a few 

 years' duration, scanty crops and shanked bunches the inevitable results. 

 That the system of border-making recommended by Mr Thomson in 

 the February number of the ' Gardener ' would prevent the evils com- 

 plained of, there is no reason to doubt. But so long as the craze for 

 sensational crops exists, means will be taken to produce them, let the 

 after-fate of the Vines be what it will. It is therefore, in my opinion, 

 most desirable that we should hear less of monstrous bunches. 



J. H. 



STAKDAUD - TBAINED MIGNONETTE. 



To have nice standard- trained ]\Iignonette necessitates some attention and care 

 on the part of the cultivator. This is especially the case in the earlier stages of 

 its growth, when the danger lies in the young seedlings becoming stunted in 

 their growth as well as woody in substance, a condition most opposed to the 

 attainment of the object desired, as all depends on getting strong stubby succul- 

 ent plants out of the seed-bed to commence with, followed up with unremitting 

 attention as regards water, potting, pinching, and training the upright growth 

 until the desired height has been reached. 



It shall be my endeavour to describe the various attentions required of the 

 cidtivator, that he may succeed in growing plants to his mind, commencing with 



Seed-Sowing. 

 The soil best suited is a compost of two parts light, rich, fibry loam, one part 

 leaf-mould, and the other part equal proportions bone-meal and sand. These, 

 properly mixed and passed through a 4 -inch sieve, are in condition for use. All 

 being prepared, fill a seed-pan (after crocking liberally), press the soil rather 

 firmly, sow the seed thinly, cover, and moisten through a fine rose, and now secure 

 standing-room on an airy shelf near to the glass, prefering an aspect towards the 



