very useful implement for this purpose ; grass cuttings from the lavm may also be used, as 

 a mulching ; taking care that it is not laid down thick enough to ferment, which would 

 render it more injurious than useful. 



Hardy Fruit. — The season of growth is the proper time to prune and train fruit-bearing 

 trees. Look over peach-trees, and shorten in the points of those branches having fmit. 

 This slight check to wood growth will enhance the size and flavor of the fruit. Towards 

 the end of the month, the points of all strong shoots should be pinched off, and some re- 

 moved altogether if the trees are producing much wood. An early and thorough ripening 

 of the wood is the most important desideratum with fruit-trees. Goosebei'ries and currant 

 bushes will be improved by thinning the wood, and shortening the side shoots. The fruit 

 should also be thinned, if superior fruit is an object. Raspberries will have their fruiting 

 period much extended by a good watering ; thin out the shoots for next year's crop, and cut 

 out the old canes as soon as the fruit is all gathered. 



Strawberry plantations may be made as soon as young plants can be lifted ; this is a 

 favorable time for their removal ; puddle the roots in mud before planting, and they will 

 scarcely fail to grow, even should the weather be very dry. 



Remove the mulching from old plantations, and hoe or fork the ground about them ; cut 

 out all runners, and keep all clear from weeds. 



Lawton Blackbekry. — This important acquisition to our available fruits deserves special 

 attention. If you have any doubts with regard to their value, call upon your nearest friend 

 who has been fortunate enough to secure them, and judge for yourself. A heavy mulching 

 of well-rotted manure increases the size and quantity of fruit. 



Grapery. — As the fruit indicates maturity, both the atmosphere and soil should be gra- 

 dually rendered drier. Leading shoots that have advanced to the desired length for next 

 year's fruiting, should be stopped at the points ; and, towards the end of the month, pinch 

 the point out of every shoot. These gradual checks to growth hasten maturity, without 

 paralyzing the plants. It is a ruinous practice to defer thinning the wood to a late period, 

 and then cut it out in bundles, under the pretence of " letting in light and air." 



Greenhouse. — Plants that have completed growth, may be now taken out of the house. 

 It is a prevalent custom to set the plants out at a stated period, without reference to their 

 condition ; a practice which deprives those who follow it from having a good crop of flowers 

 at the expected time. This is one reason why we see so many starved-looking and flower- 

 less camellias. Most plants make their growth immediately after flowering, and, during 

 that process, they require their maximum proportion of humidity and warmth. The con- 

 sequence of exposing them, in this tender condition, to an atmosphere and temperature so 

 comfdetely opposite, is so apparent, even to a novice, that a secluded, shady locality, either 

 ui tlie shade or under the branches of trees, is chosen to prevent total destruction of the 

 young and tender growths. Before removing i>lants, therefore, to the open air, attention 

 must be directed to their fitness ; the wood must be approaching to matixrity, and a degree 

 of hardiness should be induced by a gradual withdrawal of water to the roots. A situation 

 whei'e they will have a full exposure to air and sun, will then be the most favorable towards 

 a completion of wood growth and development of flower buds. The pots should also be 

 placed on boards, or other impervious material, in order to prevent rooting through the 

 bottom of the pots, and if they are covered with ashes, tan bark, sawdust, &c., an unnatural 

 extraction of water from the roots, by evaporation through the porous substance of the pots, 

 will be prevented. 



Towards the end of the month, pelargoniums should be pruned close down, and cuttings 

 put in to root ; a week's exposure to the sun will harden the wood, and cause the plants to 

 break afresh, much stronger than when pruned in a soft and succulent state. Cuttings may 

 be planted under the shade of a wall or hedge. 



Calceolaria seed should be sown this montli, in order to have good plants before winter. 

 Prepare a well-drained pot of light, sandy soil, press the surface level and sow the seed, but 

 do not cover it. Cover with a pane of glass, and set in a shaded part out doors. To obviate 

 disturbing the seed by surface watering, insert the pot into another, three or four inclies 

 larger, fill the space between the two with moss, and keep it always wet. The soil will 

 absorb suflicient moisture for germination. 



Cinneraria, and Chinese primrose seed, should also be sown, and treated as above. 



Chrysanthemums in pots should be closely topped, to keep them bushy, and prevent early 

 flowering, so that they may be available for the greenhouse and conservatory in early win- 

 ter. Two or three cuttings, placed in small pots, will form roots, and flower weU if not 

 subjected to further pinchings. 



Heaths. — Epacris, and New Holland plants in general, may be set out of doors, for 



