^38 



joUknal c? hobticultdee and CODTAGE gardeneb. 



[ May 29, 1878. 



would indicate ; but the Larch, Scotch Fir, Birch, Mountain 

 Ash, and Hazel are the varieties that thrive best on the soil. 



The Inland Bent (June as squarrosus) and the small Sedges 

 (Carex sp.) are generally found growing along with short Heath, 

 and indicate a poor soil, with a retentive and impervious sub- 

 soil, invariably inclining to be wet, and in its natural state only 

 suited for growing some of the common Willows, dwarf Birch, 

 and Alder ; but if drained it will grow Spruce, and even Scotch 

 Fir. In recommending Spruce, we are supposing that the situa- 

 tion 23 moderately sheltered, as these plants are often found at 

 altitudes and in exposures quite uusuited for the growth of 

 Spruce. Even the Alder, Birch, and Scotch Fir are seldom 

 profitable trees on soils where the aforesaid plants are abundant. 



The Sheep Fescue (Festuca ovina) and the Wire Grass (Nardus 

 stricta) are often found growing together, and, to the casual 

 observer, may be taken for the same plant. They form the 

 principal vegetation of some upland districts, and denote a dry, 

 thin soil, comparatively rich in vegetable matter, but not very 

 suitable for the growth of trees. The kinds most suitable are 

 the Birch and Mountain Ash. The difficulty in growing trees 

 on soils whore these Grasses predominate is more owing to the 

 situation and the herbage than to the soil, as to all appearance 

 the latter is generally good ; but the situation, being so much 

 exposed, is dried up in the summer season, and during the 

 winter the herbage is so close that the moisture does not pene- 

 trate it readUy. But when trees can be got to cover the ground 

 where this herbage grows, their success is secured. 



The Tufted Hair Grass (Aira cicspitosa) is generally found on 

 light or sandy loam (usually poor), resting upon bluish clay or 

 sometimes running sand. The soil naturally is too wet for grow- 

 ing trees; but when drained is suitable for Ash, Elm, Poplars, 

 Willows, and Spruce. The soil on which this Grass grows 

 varies, but still admits of the profitable cultivation of any of the 

 trees before recommended. 



The Broad-leaved Flag (Iris Pseud-acorus) is invariably found 

 in hollows or flat ground, and indicates a brown, loamy soil, 

 chiefly composed of vegetable matter. The situation is generally 

 wet, but when drained is very suitable for growing tree Wil- 

 lows, Grey, White, and Black Poplars, Lime, Horse Chestnut, 

 Ash, Elm, Spruce, itc. Where the Iris is close-growing and 

 abundant, it is sometimes difficult to get young trees to start 

 without deep trenching or pitting of the ground before planting, 

 the former being preferable. 



The common Rush (Juucus effusus) is not particular as to 

 soil if the situation is sheltered and damp. The variety of soil 

 is indicated by its habit. If robust, the soil is similar to that of 

 the Iris, and will grow the same kind of trees ; but if slender, 

 the soU is poor, and principally composed of sand or alight loam, 

 most suitable for gi'owing Alder and Spruce. Rushes afford an 

 iinmistakeable proof of dampness, and the ground where they 

 are found growing must be thoroughly drained before planting. 

 It is sometimes necessary to trench it, but not always, as there 

 are often spots where the trees can be planted. If the ground 

 be well drained and the trees succeed, the Rushes will soon dis- 

 appear. 



The Reed (Phragmitea communis) indicates a strong soil, 

 sometimes inclining to clay, and sometimes to moss, but always 

 full of vegetable matter and surcharged with water — so much so 

 that no trees will grow on it until the ground is drained. The 

 situation is always in flat or hollow ground, and sheltered. The 

 trees most suited to this soU are Spruce, Alder, White and Grey 

 Poplars, Huntingdon, Bedford, and White Willows. Some of 

 the best specimens of Willows are to be seen growing on soils 

 where Reeds were once abundant. The treatment required before 

 planting is much the same as that recommended for the Iris. 



The Queen of the Meadow (Spiraea Ulmaria) and the Wood 

 Hyacinth (Endymion nutans) are plants indicating a deep loam 

 or alluvial soil, sometimes with a sandy bottom inclining to 

 clay ; generally damp, but not so much as to hinder the growth 

 of trees ; of course, where too damp, it must be drained before 

 planting. On this class of soil all the varieties of forest trees 

 grow well. Some of the largest Poplars and Willows and best- 

 matured Oaks and Larches that we have ever seen were grown 

 on this description of soil. 



Some of the Mosses are also sure indicators of the soils. Con- 

 spicuous among these is the Grey Moss (Trichostomum lanu- 

 giuosum), so common on some hiU-sides. The presence of this 

 plant is a beacon to the forester, wai'ning him of *' rocks a-head ; " 

 in other words, not to expect great returns from any trees that 

 may be grown in proximity to it. It is found gi'owing on hill- 

 tops and mountains, where few other plants grow, and it is un- 

 necessary to warn foresters that trees will not grow in these 

 situations. It is also often found growing along with the com- 

 mon Heath, and the inexperienced may be led into a mistake as 

 to the fertility of the soil, as some allow that trees maybe grown 

 wherever Heath will gi'ow. No doubt, where the Heath is grow- 

 ing along with the Moss it indicates an improvement on the situ- 

 ation where the Moss is found growing almost alone ; still, 

 wherever the Moss is abundant, a profitable crop of trees cannot 

 be grown ; but whore, for the purposes of ornament, &c., it is 



necessary to plant the ground, the trees most suitable are Scotch 

 Fir, Pinus montana, Birch, Alder, Goat Willow, and Mountain 

 Ash. Spruce can also be grown on the damp portions if the alti- 

 tude is not too great. These will grow and have a fair appear- 

 ance ; but, as we said before, they will not be a profitable crop. 



The wood Mosses (Hypnum sp.) are most common on groimd 

 where a crop of trees has been previously grown. They gene- 

 rally indicate a light, open soil, resting on whin or trap rock, 

 suitable for growing Larch, Scotch Fir, Norway Maple, and 

 Birch. In planting ground where these Mosses are abuudant, it 

 is necessary to pare them otf before inserting the plant, as, if 

 they are left, they absorb the moisture that should go to the 

 nourishment of the plant. This does well when small plants 

 are used, but when a successful crop is wanted on ground where 

 a crop of trees has been previously grown, it is safest to have the 

 ground pitted pre\dous to planting. 



The White or Bog Moss (Sphagnum sp.) is characteristic of 

 wet, stagnant situations, with a considerable portion of porous 

 peat iu the soil. If thoroughly dried and solidified, it will grow 

 fair specimens of Alder and Spruce, but to attain this the drain- 

 age must be carefully attended to. 



The Hau- Moss (Polytrichum commune) is also invariably 

 found in damp situations, but indicates a firmer and better class 

 of soil than the last. The Cross-leaved Heath (Erica Tetralix) is 

 generally in close proximity. The ground is always wet, but 

 when thoroughly drained it will grow Spruce, Alder, and Scotch 

 Fir, Grey and Balsam Poplar. The soil is generally brown peat, 

 naturally poor, and the subsoil gravelly, and sometimes soft 

 bluish clay. 



We have purposely omitted the nutritious natural Grasses so 

 common in meadows and cultivated ground, as it is well known 

 that these only gi'ow upon a quality of soil that is seldom ap- 

 IJropriated to "the cultivation of forest trees, but on which all 

 the varieties of trees seem to luxuriate. The plants enumerated 

 are some of the most common, and, in our opinion, most 

 characteristic of the native plants. A greater number might 

 have been given, but our aim has been, not to multiply indica- 

 tors, but rather to select a few well-known ptlants that were 

 positively indicative of the soils on which they grow, and, at the 

 same time, so common as to be found in every district. To have 

 specified the plants found in a particular district would have 

 been an easier task, but would not have been so generally useful. 

 However, we have endeavoured to start the subject, which is of 

 great importance, and one that, in the interests of arboriculture, 

 we trust will yet be fully developed. — Willi.im Gilchkisi- (iu 

 Scottish Arhoricultural Transactions.) 



WOBK FOR THE WEEK. 



KITCHEN OiEDEN. 



AnvANTAQE should be taken of showery weather to transplant 

 and earth-up all crops that require it. for if done when the soil 

 about them is dry the roots will not receive that benefit from 

 rain which they otherwise woiild do. In pricking-out or trans- 

 planting, particular care should be taken to press the soil closely 

 to the roots of the plants, for if left hollow and loose about them 

 drought will soon stop their growth, or probably cause them to 

 perish. Wherever it is convenient to plant with a trowel, it is 

 far better than planting with a dibber, as with the latter the 

 roots are either left in a hollow or are crushed-up together 

 and rendered nearly useless. This is one reason of plants of 

 the same sowing varying so much in their growth. In one case 

 the plants are pulled up and deprived of half their roots, and as 

 carelessly planted ; in another they are dug-up with the greatest 

 care, and are then transplanted and watered as carefuUy as the 

 others were carelessly done. It is advisable to discontinue cut- 

 ting Asparajin from weak beds, or those which have only been 

 made from two to three years. Keep both old and young beds 

 free from weeds, and thin any other crops that may be growing 

 in them. Prick-out any Broccoli that is sufficiently advanced 

 in growth. Sow a full crop of Cape and Grange's Early White. 

 Where Cabbages were planted in the autumn at a foot apart iu 

 the rows, every alternate plant should be pulled up as required 

 for use. This wUl give the remainder time and space to attain 

 perfection. Sow a fuU crop of Cardoons. Plant out the early 

 crop if they were sown in a seed bed ; choose a rich piece of 

 ground for the purpose. It will not be necessary to plant largely 

 of the first crops, as they soon run to seed. Plant out some of 

 the most forward Celery in trenches, keep it well watered in dry 

 weather ; continue to prick out from the seed beds for late crops. 

 Where the seed of Cui-uinbers has been sown on ridges to pro- 

 duce Gherkins, thin the plants to three under each hand-glass. 

 Keep up the heat of the principal beds if fine long frmt is re- 

 quired. Make another small sowing of Endirc. The sowing of 

 the main crop should not be made before the middle of next 

 month. Earth-up Divarf Kidneri Beans that have been planted 

 out, and sow again. Make a sowing of two or three sorts of Let- 

 tuce, by this means the season of one sowing is prolonged. The 

 Paris tjos is a very good summer Lettuce. For Mushrooms, the 

 hay with which the productive beds are covered will require 



