1870.] NOTES OF THE MONTH. 535 



of the year, when the effects are made perceptible. A large pond of 

 water (in the instance referred to) occupied a hollow surrounded on 

 three sides by trees, including some Firs, and in consequence of the 

 shadow being thrown across the water, it had the dark stagnant ap- 

 pearance, when looked at from a slight elevation, peculiar to ponds 

 in close unfrequented places ; on descending to the brink, the water 

 appeared quite clear. But as water is generally looked at from an 

 elevation, the dark shadows come in the line of sight. As a matter 

 of course, small sheets of water are the most likely to be so rendered 

 unsightly. 



Mr Barron, of the Chiswick Gardens, has just commended to public 

 notice a material for grafting purposes that is likely to be found very 

 useful to cultivators generally. It is siniply a sheet of indiarubber, 

 which can be obtained at quite a small cost per square foot, and then 

 cut into the lengths required for use. Previous to using the mate- 

 rial, it is washed in clear water, and dried by means of placing it 

 within the folds of a cloth or handkerchief. It can be obtained at 

 the shops both dressed and undressed, but the latter is to ba preferred. 

 The operator cuts his sheets into pieces of about an inch in length and 

 an eighth of an inch in width, the size being regulated by the space 

 to be covered. This length of material is passed round the part of the 

 plant to be covered, and being pulled tightly as the windings are 

 made, becomes elongated, and holds the graft with a firm grip. A 

 pressure with the thumb-nail fastens the end securely, and the effect 

 of the external air is to render it even more durable, hardening the 

 material and keeping it firm. For what may be termed fine grafting — 

 that is, as applied to small and delicate plants — nothing appears to be 

 better. For larger trees in the open air, the Mastic L'homme Lefort, 

 or cold grafting-wax, can be highly recommended. Ready for use at 

 all times, no work of preparation is required ; the thing is always 

 ready to hand, and has been found to be both effectual and durable. 



The Royal Horticultural Society's great summer show at Notting- 

 ham will be held a month earlier than usual, the time being no longer 

 fixed according to the date on which the annual meeting of the Royal 

 Agricultural Society has been held. The Nottingham Exhibition will 

 be held on the 13th of June, and continue open to the 17th. This 

 early intimation of the date will enable gardeners and others to make 

 their arrangements accordingly. A month earlier than the time at 

 which the show has hitherto been held is a matter of great importance 

 in some districts. 



