I873-] 



NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS. 



already done, and the surface of the 

 border removed as far as roots will 

 allow, and a rich soil put in the place 

 of the old. This only applies to trees 

 in a free-bearing state ; young trees 

 are apt to grow too strong if stimulated. 



Strawberries in Pots. — Put a num- 

 ber of these into heat every ten or four- 

 teen days, according to the demand and 

 space. Keep them near the glass, and 

 begin with 45° at night, increasing the 

 heat to 55^ by the time the plants are 

 in bloom. If a little bottom-heat can 

 be afforded them, they start into growth 

 more freely and more strongly. Range 

 early crops now in bloom from 55° to 

 60°, and give air on all favourable 

 occasions, avoiding currents of frosty 

 air. When they are set, raise the heat 

 a few degrees and water more freely. 

 Strawberries are moisture - loving 

 plants, but will not bear stagnant 

 water ; therefore avoid the too common 

 practice of standing early-forced plants 

 in saucers of water, and see that the 

 drainage of each plant is correct before 

 they are put into heat. 



Melons. — Sow for early crops in a 

 temperature of 70°. A good way of 

 raising young plants is to sow a few 



seeds in 4 or 5 inch pots, half filling 

 the pot with soil ; and as soon as the 

 plants grow above the rims of the pots, 

 earth the young plants up. Do not 

 stop them if to be grown on trellises 

 near the glass ; but if to be trained on 

 the surface of the bed, stop them as 

 soon as tlie young leaves are expanded. 

 Cucumbers. — Sow for early spring 

 crops in the same way as directed for 

 melons, only use a lighter and richer 

 soil. Keep the temperature in the 

 Cucumber-house in bearing from 65° 

 to 70°, according as the weather is 

 cold or mild. When cold, apply cover- 

 ing to the glass, if possilale ; it saves 

 fire, and is better for the crop. Do not 

 allow the plants to bear too many Cu- 

 cumbers at one time, or it will weaken 

 them. Keep the bed of soil moderately 

 moist, and water occasionally with 

 manure-water. Give more or less air 

 according to the weather daily. Do 

 not allow the leaves and young growths 

 to become crowded, and stop the latter 

 at every joint. Should green-fly at- 

 tack them, fumigate moderately on two 

 successive evenings. If fumigated 

 severely, the young tender leaves are 

 likely to be injured. 



All business communications and all Advertisements should be addressed to 

 the Publishers, and communications for insertion in the 'Gardener 'to David 

 Thomson, Drumlanrig Gardens, Thornhill, Dumfriesshire. It will further 

 oblige if all matter intended for publication, and questions to be replied to, be 

 forwarded by the middle of the month, and written on one side of the paper 

 only. It is also requested that writers forward their name and address, not for 

 publication unless they wish it, but for the sake of that mutual confidence 

 which should exist between the Editor and those who address him. We decline 

 noticing any communication which is not accompanied with name and address 

 of writer. 



A Lady. — The following are all fine late summer and autumn flowering 

 Clematis : Jackmanii, Prince of Wales, rubella, carulea odorata, lanuginosa, 

 Lady Boville, Alexandra, magnifica, Lady Carolina Nevill, purpurea hybrida. 

 A rather strong loam, deep, well drained, and made very rich with well-rotted 

 manure, are the chief conditions to their successful culture. You should read 

 'The Clematis as a Garden Flower,' by Messrs Moore and Jackman. 



S. M. — Plant for cooking purposes Victoria, Magnum Bonum, Washington, 

 Orleans; for dessert. Greengage, Jeffi-eyson, Kirk's Seedling, Golden Drop, 

 Ickworth's Imperatrice. These are all excellent free-bearing Plums. 



