Mdlcuiko. — If possible, mulcli between the rows of all crops, short grass from lawns, refuse 

 hav, leaves — anything, in fact, that will loosely cover the ground, should be employed for 

 this purpose. This will retain the moisture, and very effectually prevent the growth of 

 woods. 



Hahdy Fkdit. — The results of the past severe winter are now becoming apparent. Young 

 fruit-trees that were seemingly unhurt, and commenced growth as usual, have jjroduced a 

 few sickly leaves, of a yellowish color, and ceased growing. On examination, it will be 

 found that the bark is discolored, and parts easily from the wood, especially on the south 

 side of the stem. They should be cut down at once to healthy wood. 



Peaks on Quikce. — Tliere are various opinions on the merits of so-called dwarf pears. "We 

 are too liable, in our horticultural zeal, to push matters to extremes. It requires a long 

 series of well-tried and closely observed experiments to establish a horticultural fact. With 

 the same treatment, a Bartlett will fruit as early on the pear as a Glout Morceau on the 

 quince stock, and, in nine out of ten cases, the latter will excel the former in growth. No 

 doubt, grafting the pear on the quiitce was at first resorted to, with a view of rendering a 

 fcAv of tlie most luxuriant growing varieties more productive, and their success led to an 

 indiscriminate use of the quince as a stock for the pear, without reference to the degree of 

 vigor possessed by the numerous varieties. The same has happened with roses, and budded 

 roses are now condemned by many, although amateur rose growers well know that many of 

 their finest sorts are never seen in their greatest perfection, unless grafted on a suitable 

 stock. Many pears grow with great vigor even on quince, and, unless skilfully managed 

 during summer, by checking growth, they will not fruit earlier than when on a pear stock.* 



The most essential point in the culture of fruit-trees undoubtedly lies in summer pruning. 

 Without this, our best treatment will not prove continually remunerative. 



Strawberries. — Clean away all the young runners, unless required for increase, and keep 

 the plants distinct, and free of weeds. ' 



Raspberries. — Thin out the young canes as they grow, and cut out the old stems as soon 

 as the fruiting season is over. 



Grapes. — Pinch the points out of the fruit bearing branches four or five eyes beyond the 

 fruit, but do not, as yet, disturb any of the lateral, or young side shoots, from the present 

 year's growth. Thin the branches to one for each shoot. It is a notorious fact, that most 

 of our hardy grapes are rendered unhealthy and unproductive through excessive cropping. 



Grapery. — Thinning the bunches having already been attended to, thinning the berries 

 will now require attention. Shouldered bunches may require tying up and spreading to 

 allow the berries to swell. It is difficult to establish definite rules as regards the exact 

 amount of fruit a vine is able to mature. Attempts have been made to form rules according 

 to the diameter of the stem. This may be found tolerably accurate when all are under 

 similar treatment ; but a well-ripened cane, half an inch in diameter, may perfect a crop of 

 eight lbs., when a cane double the thickness, would not ripen as many ounces. It is not 

 the quantity or size of shoot that is all-desirable, but its quality as regards matured growth. 

 The great error, in most of our horticultural advice, is a tendency to generalize upon insuffi- 

 cient data. It is a mistake for any one to suppose, that what he finds good for his own guid- 

 ance, under his system of management, will be equally suitable for the million under their 

 various modes of management. Keep the atmosphere moist by frequently sprinkling the 

 house with water ; this will tend to prevent mildew, but when it does show itself, use sul- 

 phur dusted over the hotise. Syringe the vines occasionally, but dashing water through a 

 force pump on the tender foliage, is not beneficial or natural. Ventilate exclusively by the 

 top, and leave them open, to a certain extent, both day and night. If managed as above, there 

 will be no danger of bad colored grapes. " Ventilate early in the morning, and shut up 

 early in the evening," is common advice, and those who adopt such a course need not be 

 surprised if their fruit is deficient V)oth in color and flavor. The fruit will ripen earlier when 

 the temperature is kept cool in the absence of light. 



Vines that are treated on the short spur pruning system, must be stopped an eye, or, at 

 most, two, above the fruit bunch. It is well to encourage all growth that is possible. Close 

 summer pruning is sooner or later ruinous to the plant if persevered in. We confess to 

 having advocated a different course several years ago, but experience, that best of all moni- 

 tors, has taught us otherwise, and, as a celebrated writer has remarked, " of what use is life 

 without the hope of improvement ?" 



* [The period when dwarf trees require attention from the pinclier having arrived, we refer the learner to 

 Barry's book of frnits, and particularly to the volume of the Horticulturist for 1853, page 254, for informa- 



the subject. — Ed.] 



