766 JoiiDKiJ <;f A gricii/fiiff, Vicfond. [11 Dec, 19Ju. 



the fruit crops, it will be very beneficial in the promotion of a vigorous 

 growth to the trees. This will mean an increased supply of fruit buds 

 for the next season, consequently the frequent summer cultivation of 

 the soil will be a necessity if the henltli and vigour of the trees arc to 

 be maintained. 



Excessive transpiration is often the cause of loss- of young trees and 

 of new grafts. They are found to part with a large amount of moisture, 

 and are not able to obtain or retain sufficient for their nourishment : 

 they then very soon wither and die. The soil around these should always 

 be kept well stirred ; they may also be given a good straw or grass 

 mulching, and an occasional overhead sprinkling will greatly benefit 

 them. 



The planting out of citrus trees may be continued, sheltering the 

 tender plants from winds with hessian or breaks of scrub. 



The general aims in summer cultivation should be to keep up a good 

 loose earth mulch during the whole season, and to keep down all weeds 

 and useless orchard growths. 



Pruning. 



Summer pruning may now be commenced, particularly on apple, 

 pear, and plum trees. The removal or reduction of surplus leader 

 growths, the shortening of unduly long laterals, and the thinning out of 

 crowded shoots, will all tend to strengthen other parts of the tree, and 

 to increase the development of new fruit buds. 



The Vegetable Garden. 



Tomatoes will require a good amount of attention at this time of 

 the year. If the plants have been well looked after, they should be 

 making vigorous growth. It will be to advantage to tie the plants to 

 stakes, training them to two or three main growths, and pinching out 

 all laterals as they come. 



The plants should be well watered, and occasionally a handful of 

 bonedust and blood manure mixed should be forked in around the roots. 

 Where stable manure is used, it should be used as a mulch, forking it 

 in every three or four weeks, and making a fresh mulch. 



All plants of the cucumber and melon family should now be constantly 

 supplied with ample water. Pinch out unnecessary lateral growths, and 

 also the terminals. 



The following seeds may now be sown : — French beans, cabbage and 

 cauliflower for winter crops, parsnip, lettuce, and celery. 



The side shoots of celery plants should be removed, afterwards 

 earthing up the plants. Asparagus beds should be top-dressed, and 

 allowed to grow without any more cutting. The vegetable beds will 

 need frequent forking and hoeing to keep the soil sweet, and to keep 

 down all weeds. 



The Flower Garden. 



Plant out dahlias this month ; tubers early, and plants grown from 

 cuttings for exhibition blooms later in the month. Water well at 

 planting, and keep well cultivated afterwards. 



