10 Dec, 1917.1 Orchard and (iarden Xotes. 767 



growtlis, the sliortoning of unduly long laterals, and the tliinnihg out 

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

 and to increase the development of new fruit buds. 



Vegetable Garden. 



Tomatoes will require much attention at this time of the year. If 

 the plants have been well looked after, they should be making vigorous 

 growth. Tt 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 con- 

 stantly 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 sheets of celery plants should be removed, afterwards earth- 

 ing up the plants. Asparagus beds should be to])-dressed, and allowed 

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

 freqTient forking and hoeing to keep the soil sweet, and to keep down all 

 weeds. 



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. 



Rose bushes and beds may be given a good mulch with light stable 

 manure, straw, grass, or lawn clippings. The beds should be kept 

 rather dry, so as to allow the plants to rest before the autumn period of 

 growth. 



-Sow seeds of cosmos, asters, zinnia, balsams, cockscomb, and other 

 late summer and autumn blooming annuals. 



Cut down delphiniums that have yielded their first croj) of flowers, 

 so as to allow a succession of flowers to come. 



Daffodil, hyacinth, tulip, ranunculus, anemone, and other bulbs and 

 tubers may be taken up and stored; while gladioli cornis may still be 

 planted. 



The garden must be kept well watered and cultivated, so as to tide 

 the plants over the hot and dry season. 



REIVIINDEHS FOR JANUARY. 



LIVE STOCK. 



Horses. — fitabled. — Over-stimulating and fattening foods should be rostricted. 

 Water sliould be allowed at frequent intervals. Rub down on coming into stables 

 in an overheated condition. Supply a ration of greenstuff, where possible, to all 

 horses. Brood mares should be well fed on succulent food if available; otherwise, 



