1870.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 497 



old practice, and we have seen it proved to be a good one. bailing 

 in young wood of pruned trees can only be done with comfort in mild 

 weather, so every opportunity should be taken to get the work for- 

 ward. We seldom use shreds now, simply from the objection to the 

 harbour for insects, and the appearance, especially if the cloth they 

 are made from is "showy." Matting neatly used is hardly seen, and 

 the nails may remain, as where systematic training is practised, 

 the young shoot is taken from the base of the old one, and when 

 the latter is cut out, the young one is laid in its stead. Cast- 

 metal nails are best, and if not placed where they can be used 

 on the walls, they may be broken over, thus saving the plaster. 

 Holes in walls may be filled up with putty, mixed with a little 

 white lead, and harbour for insects will be scarce. Trees in- 

 fested with scale may be carefully scraped with the back of a knife, 

 and painted with Gishurst compound (see directions for use) : all moss 

 on trees should be taken off if possible, and the bark well painted with 

 a mixture of lime and soot. Root-pruning, if not already finished, 

 should have attention at once. I always advise its being done early, 

 and only when the tree requires it. Where any strong watery shoots 

 are taking the lead upwards, some roots will be also taking the lead 

 downwards, and should be cut off; but cutting right round the tree in- 

 discriminately is unnecessary destruction. When trees are to be kept 

 within certain limits, root-pruning is necessary to equalise the growth. 

 When much wood is made and cut off, the tree soon yields to canker ; 

 but timely lifting prevents these evils ; trees making no growth and 

 abundance of fruit-buds should be helped with good top-dressing, or if 

 roots are down in poor unhealthy soil, lifting will be the only means 

 of securing success. Lifting and replanting fruit-bushes gives them a 

 fine constitution ; as well as modifying the growth of wood and insur- 

 ing always abundance of fruit. Stake and tie securely newly-planted 

 fruit-trees, but they must be allowed to settle with the fresh soil, 

 otherwise the bark might be cut with the ties. Raspberries should 

 already be freed from the old wood, and suckers not wanted should be 

 lifted. Pruning will require attention soon. They require a good 

 deep soil, rich and moist. 



Lawns and shrubberies now require to be often gone over with rake 

 or broom. Worm-casts on the former may be kept down by tbe 

 use of lime-water, and well rolled afterwards. Where leaves are all 

 down, quantities may be forked over among shrubs, keeping clear of 

 the roots. To give grounds, however small, an interest at the dull 

 season, thorough cleaning of grass, borders, and walks is necessary. 

 Improvements and renovations can be done well at this season. 

 Cover roots of Fuchsias, Aloysias, and other plants remaining in the 



2 L 



