1873.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 551 



gard to well-placed spurs and short shoots studded with buds is appli- 

 cable to them. Everything — shoot and spur — growing straight out 

 from the tree, should be cut clean off ; but if there are no shoots near 

 the wall, the outgrowing spurs must be made the best of. Cherries 

 generally do best spurred and treated similar to Pears — carrying the 

 rods straight from the main stems, terminating equidistant. If Pears 

 are growing far from the walls, they may be tied neatly to each side 

 of the stems, and the larger spurs cut out. Many trees are allowed 

 to run out of bearing by crowding the spurs. Moss growing on trees 

 and bushes should be washed with a brush, applying lime-water and 

 brine ; but the bark should not be injured, and the liquid should not 

 find its way to the roots. The dressing of lime does much to keep off 

 bullfinches from the buds. Manuring old trees is often attended 

 with good results. A portion of the old soil from the surface may be 

 taken away, and a liberal dressing of rich stuff put in place of the old 

 soil. But if the soil is cold and unhealthy downwards, and the roots 

 encased therein, all the mulching which may be given will do no good, 

 but rather harm. Planting should not be done in severe weather, as 

 the roots of the trees just taken out of the earth are liable to suffer 

 severe injury; and when the ground is in a puddle it need not be 

 touched. There has been so much sound advice given recently by the 

 ' Squire's Gardener' and * H. R.,' that the case of beginners generally 

 may be met, and the writings referred to may be accepted as safe 

 practical guides. Always keep in mind that healthy suitable soil, 

 keeping the roots well up out of stagnant subsoil, proper drainage 

 (not unnecessary), mulching to keep out drought, are objects of pri- 

 mary importance when trees are expected to grow and become fruit- 

 ful. Some kinds suit certain soils and localities better than others. 

 Save some of the strongest of prunings from fruit-bushes to make 

 cuttings; lay them in the earth by the lower ends till they are made. 

 Eork over all plots of bushes when they are pruned ; deep digging 

 among the roots is a great evil. A clear circle of a yard wide taken 

 away from over the roots and replaced with rotten manure will help 

 old Currants and Gooseberries much. 



A general clearance of leaves may now be made : harvest plenty 

 for hotbeds and manure. Rolling of lawns and walks may require 

 frequent attention. Old gravel may be made to look like new by 

 turning and rolling it. When walks are soft and the gravel rough 

 it is a great annoyance. Shrub-pruning is often done now, as 

 when left till spring the favourable opportunity for doing the work 

 often slips past, and cannot be taken advantage of. It is a great evil 

 when pruning is done to allow the shrubs to keep out the air by mere 

 surface-cutting. A regular system of thinning should be put in prac- 



