1873.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 449 



autumn, and a season's growth sometimes is gained. The distance 

 apart at which fruit-trees are generally planted is varied according to 

 circumstances ; when variety is wanted, they can be planted very close, 

 and lifted to keep them to size and in a bearing state. Extra numbers 

 may be planted to be kept as " reserves " for planting up space where 

 old trees are worn out in the course of a few seasons. ISTothing should 

 be allowed to stand which is to be of no use. Gooseberries and 

 Currants which are not doing well should be lifted and transplanted 

 to fresh ground. When plots of them begin to die off piecemeal, it 

 seems a pity to make them up with young plants, which will likely do 

 little good ; large quantities of soil may help them, but planting in fresh 

 ground is always attended with good results. We have seen bushes 

 almost worthless become vigorous when thus removed and bear abund- 

 antly. Wood on wall-trees should not be allowed to grow after this, as 

 it would only tend to make the tree liable to be injured by severe weather. 

 Thorough ripening is very important in this damp climate. We have 

 already dug under a portion of the roots of young Plum and Apricot 

 trees which were growing over-luxuriantly ; the wood is now becom- 

 ing firm, and the leaves are stiff. A number of older trees have been 

 examined to get the leading roots out of the cold subsoil, and a good 

 mulching of rotten manure and strong loam well mixed will be spread 

 over the surface to protect the fibre near the top, and induce roots to 

 form upwards. When roots grow down into cold wet clay, all hopes 

 of plenty of fruit or healthy trees are at an end. 



While the leaves continue to fall, lawns and pleasure-grounds will 

 be untidy, and where they cannot be kept swept up daily, it is well 

 not to let them collect in quantities, as is generally the case, to 

 disfigure the grass. While the wind can move them about, little harm 

 is done. If mowing has yet to be performed, it should never be done 

 closely at this season. Worm-casts will be very troublesome in some 

 places. Lime-water will help to get rid of the worms. Rolling should 

 be done frequently to both grass and walks. If flower-gardens are yet 

 untouched by frost, much trimming and clearing of the beds will be 

 necessary ; high keeping will always do much to make the garden 

 interesting. Lift all plants of value before they are cut down by 

 frost. One can now see the value of hardy plants in the flower-garden. 

 Where there are quantities of foliage plants in the reserve garden, a 

 very tidy appearance can be made through the dreary winter months 

 when such is most required. 



Bulb-planting may be performed as soon as the soil can be prepared. 

 All bulbs, though hardy, do all the better when protected from frost. 

 Beautiful designs can be made in the beds with the ever-useful Crocus 

 class. The colours are so numerous and bright, and they are very 



