486 



JOUENAIi OF HOBTICOLTUEE AND COTTAGE GAIIDENEE. [ December 21, 1368. 



Golden Drop. Apricots would probably succeed ; the best are Kaislia, 



Hemskevli, aad Moorpark. 

 CoTTrsa orr Hepatica Leaves (An Amatertr).—Thc leaves should not 



be cut off. They will decav next summer. If removed it is probable the 



buds v.ill not mature, and perhops the plants would not flower, or if 



they did their flowering would be poor and of short continuance. 

 EuACKE-J WITH DuNcj FOR HoTDEDS (Mem).— The fronds of fern are 



not so good as loaves, but still useful for mixing with stable dung, as 



that moderates the heat and renders it moro lasting. 

 Paksv C0TTIK03 (Idem).— The cuttinRS put in under a north wall may 



receive slight protection diu-ing severe fi-ost, removing it in mUd weather. 

 Eemovikg TEicoLon PELAuGONiriM Flowees (Mem).— V'o think the 



foliage is improved in size when the flowers are removed, but we do not 



consider the loaves are bettor coloui-ed. The colouring is more or leas 



intense according to the light. 

 Forming Pvkamidai, Apple Teees (J. 31. .5.).-Your maiden trees, 



4 feet hi"h, should bo cut back to a bud 13 inches from the gTotmd 

 This proceediu;.' will cause the production in spung of a number ol 

 shoots, which are all to be stopped when they have made six leaves each, 

 except the shoot from the uppermost bud, which is to be tramed upright 

 and not stopped until it has grown 12 inches. When it has attained this 

 length, before July take out its point, and it will most likely push laterals, 

 one of wliich is to be trained as a leader, and the others stopped at the 

 third loaf. All the shoots stopped at the sixth leaf, if they push after 

 bein" stopped, are to have the shoot nearest the end of each pmchod at 

 the third jo ut, but the other laterals are to be stopped when they have 

 made two leaves. The shoots should be disposed so ns to form a sym- 

 metrical pyramid, widest at the base .and gradually taponug upwards. 

 The shoots, it inclined to grow erect and to cross each other, should bo 

 tied down and so regulated as not to be nearer than inches, nor further 

 apart than 9 inches. The leader, if it exceed 12 inches in length with- 

 out side shoots, ought to be shortened to that length above the highest 

 side shoots, and these should be cut back, if necessary, to give a sym- 

 meU-ical head. Any laterals on the side shoots not required for exten- 

 sion should be cut back to withinhal: an inch from whence they proceed. 

 The subsequent treatment is simiUr to that in the previous year, ana 

 this must be persisted in until the trees are of the height required. The 

 trees should now be mulched round the stems witn 3 inches thick_ of 

 littery manure, and in March they ought to have a top-dressing of nch 

 compost ov rotten manme to the depth of about an mch. 



Repotting Abdtii.os (IT. Coffri-!)— The beginning of March is a good 

 time to cut back the Abufflon, and repot when it has pushed freely shoots 



and well ripen it oflf, keeping the plant dry at the roots, but not so dry as 

 to cause it to flag, 



CocoA-NL-T P.1L5I SEED SowTNG (IF.l.— The Gocoa-nut Palm may be 

 raised from seed in a bottom heat of from 85 to 90-', and a corresponding 

 top heat. February is a good time to put in the nuts. 



FoTATO Onion Culture (Constant Suiiscridcr).— Undergi-ound or Po- 

 tato Onions may be planted at the end of February or early in March, 

 planting them so that they will be covered with soil, leaving the least 

 possible portion of the neck of the bulb above the surface. A rich Ught 

 soil is most suitable. Thev should bo planted from 4 to 6 inches apart, 

 in rows about B inches from each other. They require to be kept free 

 from weeJs, and should be taken up when the tops become yellow, tying 

 them up in bunches in the same way as the otiier kinds, and keeping 

 them in a dry place. They are milder than the other kinds of Onions, 

 but othei-wise equal to them for nse. 



Culture of Tree Ferns (IT. H. fl".).— The two that have made two 

 Ironds and died ofl" may push others, providing tho centre or hearts are 

 not dead or destroyed, but that we could not siiy without seeing the 

 plants. As the fronds have died off we should say the plants are dead. 

 We would, however, leave them fur some time longer— until July or 

 August of next year, unless you ascertain there is no possibility of 

 growth, keeping them well supplied with water, and the trunks or stems 

 sprinkled with water twice a-dav, but he careful not to allow the moisture 

 to lodge in tho hearts of the plants. Tho temperature is much too high ; 

 one of from 60 to 65^ is ample at this season, encouraging growth in 

 spring with a brisk heat and a moist rather close atmosphere.; 



EriPHYLLUM Graiting (31. i.).— You may gi-alt a Poreskia aculeata, 

 tho thickness of a pencil, with tho Epiphyllnni truucatum. Whip graft- 

 ing is tbo best method, though side grafting will ansn-er well, leaving a 

 portion of the stock to which the graft can be secured after inserlion. 

 It should be done before the Eniphyllum begins to grow. The graft 

 should be secured with mat-, and have a little moss [.laced over it and 

 secured. It is well to have the stem of the stock and the graft of the same 

 thickness at the point of union, and the outer edges on one side, at least, 

 corresponding. If the plant be placed in a mild bottom heat, and be 

 kept moist and shaded from bright sun, the graft will take more speedily. 

 Winter Cucc:.rBER Giiowrao {A Youn/t Gardener).— Yoar house or pit 

 appears well arranged for winter Cucuiuber-growing, only we think there 

 is not snflicient provision for bottom heat. The return pipe alone is not 

 enough to heat a border one-half tho width of the house, but you do not 

 say what the width of the bed is, though from your stating it is in the 



centre of the pit, we conclude it is tho full width. You have not too „^,, ,„ „„„ „„,„ , ,_. ,,-,,- i * * i ,,„ 



many pipes for top heat; it is an advantage to h.ave a greater extent of I o or 3 inches long. It succeeds in a compost of two-imras turiy loam, 

 surface heated than is absolutely necessary, as in this case greater | and one-third leaf mould, with a free admixture of silver sand. « e can- 

 lacilities are ofiorded for air-giving, and tbo pipes do not require to be [ not name plants from shoots ; flowers as well as foliage are necessary. 

 made so hot, and on that account the atmosphere is more congenial, i p^^^TS Infested with White Soale ((Jim'-l-).— Your plants aremore 

 You ought to have at least two 4-inch pipes for bottoifi heat, and they | g.^.-^'j^ dttncked by scale than any we have seen, judging ifrom the 

 are best in a chamber covered m itli slabs of stone or slate, and lb incnes j „:jj,j^s g^^^^ ,j. Syringe them with a solution of Clarke's insect- 

 Irom the intended surface. The joints of the slabs should bo left open, | .{^^,..^^:„„ comnouud of the strength of 8 ozs. to the gallon, wcttmg 



and on the slabs inches thick of rubble should be placed, and over that , ""^ ' J ■= .. ,,'.._, -j,-,i__ ^ ii„„ ,.< ii,« onlntirm siv 



a layer of sods, grass side downwards, and then the soil to the depth of 

 10 or 12 inches. The fruit swelling off with a knob at the end indicates 

 a deficiency of bottom heat, which at this season ought to be 70^ and 

 not higbcr than 75% and the top heat shouUl be from t]\i' to GO- at night, 

 and from 70° to 75° by d.ay, with a rise from sun heat Tho evaporation 

 troughs, we presume, are" kept full of water, and in addition to that, the 

 paths, it such exist, walls, iSc.. should be sprinkled with water about 

 one o'clock daily in bright wc.-ither, and tho house shut up. Your sorts 

 are good for winter fruiting, and in general swell their fruit well. It 

 would be desirable to make up a bed at one end and put in fresh plants, 

 preserving a portion of the present plants until the others come into 

 beai-ing. The pipe as it now is is of little value for bottom heat, and 

 unless you have enough of that the growth of Cucumbers in winter is 

 not satisfactory. The pit, as at present arranged, will do very well for 

 Cucumber-growing in spring and summer, a good bed of fermenting 

 materi-ils being provided. 



Akaucaria Brown at the Bottom {Old Subscriber). — The cause of 

 Arucarias becoming brown at the bottom is as yet unexplained, and w-e 

 have no satisfactory reason to give, but we believe it is due to climate, 

 that of England, except in favoured or sheltered situations, beingtoo cold 

 and wet. The majority of the plants 18 feet and upwards in height, 

 which we have seen, are in much the same condition as yours. The 

 dying-off of the branches of Ai-auearias is so vei-y general, that we shall 

 be obliged by information on the subject. We think it ineur.ible, and 

 have ceased to recommend the Araucaria being planted, except in 

 sheltered situations, and where water does not stagnate in the subsoil. 

 — G. A. 



Pbcning Vines (Halt" P«i/).— The Tines should be at once pruned. 

 The side shoots shouldbe cut back to two eyes, and the leading shoot or 

 rod cut-in or back two-thirds of its length. Those cut back to two eyes 

 are what are called spars : you will find their treatment fully described 

 in the "Vino Manual." The mildew was not caused by the Calceolarias 

 taken up from the garden, but it may have resulted from iusufiicient 

 ventilation. The remedy is to dust them with flowers of sulphur on its 

 first appearance, and as often afterwards as it appears. Are you sure the 

 Vines are mildewed ? The Peach trees are more likely to have fostered 

 the mildew, as you say it is upon them, therefore syringe them with a 

 solution of Clarke's insect-destroying compound, 2 ozs. to the gallon, or 

 paint every part of the trees with a solution at the rate of 3 ozs. to the 

 gallon, using a paint bru=h. If mildew appear next season dust the 

 parts immediately with flowers of sulphur. The Vine border sho-ald be 

 covered with littery manure to the depth of about a foot, or with straw 

 and leaves, but the manure is best. Yon will only need Arcs in the 

 greenhonse to keep out frost, and not that if you have no plants in the 

 house. The temperature from lire heat should not exceed 40 . The 

 wood of the Peach trees being gi-een and not half ripe, we would cut the 

 shoots well in. This will give vou good strong shoots another year, and 

 you will bv giving air freely se'cure their full maturation. How far are 

 the Peach trees from the glass, and are they not too much shaded by the 

 Vines ? The Vines ought not to be nearer each other than 4 feet 6 inches, 

 better 6 feet, to allow of sufficient hght for tho Peach trees. The best 

 covers for a flue are fire tiles 3 inches thick ; they are made of fire elav. 

 We fear Peach trees will not succeed on an east wall. Early York 

 Malta, and Mountaineer are among the herdiest. We should advise 

 Flams, of which three good varieties are Kirke's, Jsflerson, and Cos's 



every iart thoroughly, and adding to every gallon of the solution six 

 drops of soirits of turpeatine. The plants should bo s/"uRed in two or 

 three days afterwards with water at a tomperaturo of 140 , and it tue 

 scale still remain repeat the syringing with tho solution. The v.apour ot 

 SDU-its of turpentine will not only kiU the scale, but injure the plants, 

 therefore avoid it. You may take up the Tacsonia and pot it preserving 

 as many roots as possible. II you deprive it of many roots the head 

 should be reduced to a corresponding extent, and it would be desirable 

 to do so, as the plant is so badly infested with scale. 



Pveeturum TcniHATCKEw-l (Old Suhserlher).-V:e fear it would not 

 succeed under a Plane tree. Stachys lanata would do so admirably, and 

 so would Vinca elegantissima, which is very handsome. Ihe smau- 

 leaved green and variegated Ivies would be suitable. 



DWYRF White Celeuy (Jniajfiij-).— We think the Incomparable would 

 suit you. It is soUd, crisp, and juicy, and of dwarf growth. U you msh 

 for a larger kind, Cole's Crystal may suit you, it being early. 'The 

 Champion Giant is a largo and excellent white vaiaety and eariy. Ihere 

 are no Acacias proper that will bear the open .air in the country. Of 

 Eobinia pseud- Acacia, Bella Rosa, monophylla pyramidahs, sophorjcfoUa, 

 erispa, duhia, amorphafolia, inermis umbraculifera (standaid) las- 

 tigiata, and Docasciueana, all of moderate growth, and hisplda and its 

 varieties, which aro tall and spreading. 



Linseed Oil fok Destroying Mealy Bug (P.I.— Tho old hark being 

 removed from Vines vou may paint them with linseed oil without injury, 

 but wo do not think it wUl penetrate into the crevices of the rods so as 

 to destroy tho mealy bug. Try Gishurst Compound or Clarke s prepa- 

 ration, both of which are advertised in this Journal. 



TnicHOjiANES RADICAK3 CULTURE (£i!((ir«f !;).-The phint is probably 

 kept too cool and not regularly moist. We would advise your placmg it 

 in a house where there is a temperature of from 40= to 45 ; keep it 

 well supplied with moisture, but not so much so at this season as m 

 summer, taking the bell-glase off at least once a-day and wiping it dry, 

 and l6a« it a little tilted on one side, for this Fern hkes a comparatively 

 airy yet moist atmosphere. 



FnciTiNG Canes of Vines {Br.ader).-We presume tliat Vine growers 

 mean by a fruiting cane, one strong enough «» P"*"" '"'''."n^B hud 

 irrespeciivo of its ago. We have had rods less than a year from the bud 

 more fit for fruiting than other plants of twice their age. In oithe^^ case 

 we consider it in general to be injudicious to take much of a ciop iiom a 

 fresh-planted Vine, but if the Vine is young and strong it w 1 have in 

 proportion more and stronger roots than a weaker '^""f^ o'', '^^^jjant. 

 We find that Trentham Black Grape does well in a medium h^^u^s^'j/^^^ 

 quirin, 



'ather'morrheat than a'Samburgh, and less than a Muscat, 

 thou"h bearing well under the same circtunstances as both. Wo ShaU 



be glad to have'Mr. Stewart's further opmions and experience. 



Wooden Fence for Fruit Training (W. F. Chapman).— A coping of 

 wood would be the best under the circumstances, and removable when aU 

 Iau"er of frost is over. The sloping of the coping upwards from the 

 waU-will not be so effectual as having the slope slightly the ether way. 

 We wmild advise wooUen netting hung in front, in addition, when the trees 



"^Packing 'c'SE'(Wfm\-W6 have examined tho patented packing case, 

 and think it a very good one, and a gamekeeper and a butler thir^ so 

 too, but something ol the same kmd of case is frequently used, boUiai 



