1G6 THE GARDENER. [April 



HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 



Some trees on south walls may now require disbudding. This work 

 should be done piecemeal, first taking off those shoots which are 

 growing out from the walls, topping back the stronger ones, and where 

 they are very thick, which may be at the top of the tree. The greater 

 part of tree-work may be done while growth is going on. Young shoots 

 may be trained over old ones destitute of wood-buds. Some object to 

 spurring Plums, Apricots, c^c, as it is supposed to bring the bearing- 

 wood away from the wall ; but such need not be the case, as when the 

 buds growing nearest the wall are chosen, they may be kept in easily. 

 "We always prefer having some nice shoots left to fill up vacancies. 

 Trees exposed to easterly winds should be protected judiciously, but 

 not coddled so that the blooms and young wood may be kept from 

 light and air. All arrears had better be brought forward without de- 

 lay ; better to do it late than that it should be neglected. There need 

 be no hurry in tying up newly-planted trees, as they should be allowed 

 to settle down at the roots ; they are liable to be cut in the bark till 

 the soil is solid at the base. 



Shrubs may be planted if they are not into growth ; plenty of room 

 to the roots, and free soil placed among them, is necessary to success. 

 Where a mulching of manure can be given before the surface-soil is 

 placed in position, the shrubs will be greatly benefited and labour saved 

 in watering. If the weather should set in dry, water must be given in 

 liberal quantities ; continued dribblings are worse than useless, but 

 the syringe may be used after dry days over the foliage. Keeping the 

 soil continually sodden about the roots of trees and shrubs while the 

 weather is cold does great injury, as the roots are likely to perish. 

 Shrub-cutting should be finished as early as possible. Large old 

 evergreens when not well furnished with foliage are very unsightly, 

 and are better cut down to make healthy growths. Lawns should now be 

 kept well rolled and swept preparatory for scythe and mowing-machine. 

 Beds should now be well turned up and broken, giving manure or fresh 

 soil as may be necessary. Hardy plants for edgings, &c., may be 

 planted as early as possible. Beet (Osborn's dark, alias Dell's) may be 

 sown where it is wanted for dark colouring ; some prefer planting it 

 out from pots, but we never had it so fine as from sowing in the space 

 where it was to remain. When decorative plants are placed in flower- 

 beds or borders now, they should be arranged to suit other occupants. 



Edgings of turf may be trimmed, but not in the way it is so often 

 done, cutting the beds or walks out of all size, reducing the surface of 

 turf ; also walks are much injured by cutting turf away from the gravel, 

 leaving a margin for weeds and worms. Place the line along, beat the 



