THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 307 
a harder thing to do, especially in the earlier years, when the dwarfs 
are the only source from which the supply of pears can. be expected ; 
but however thorough may have been the preparation and the cul- 
tivation afterwards, good fruit of most of the varieties will not be 
produced, if all that sets is allowed to remain on the trees. 
Remove all the fruit blossoms the first two years. From two 
to a dozen specimens may be allowed to grow the third year; a 
very moderate crop the fourth year; a fair crop may be expected 
the fifth year; and after this the trees, if in good condition and well 
eared for, will prove the most reliable for their yearly returns. 
To those who have limited grounds the dwarf is a necessity, as, 
by due pruning, they may be grown several years in the limits of a 
circle seven feet in diameter, and thus many trees may be grown 
where it would be impracticable to set standards. 
To those whose grounds are open and unprotected the dwarf is 
desirable, especially for the late and large varieties, as its low, com- 
pact form renders it much less exposed to the storms and winds than 
the higher and more spreading branches of the standard. 
By all growers the dwarf must be used, if they would have some 
of the most desirable varieties of the best quality, and to those who, 
owing to conflicting opinions, are in doubt whether to set dwarf 
trees, the experience of many in this vicinity who have grown them 
for the past thirty years warrants the statement, that if in prepara- 
tion of the ground the wants of quince roots are supplied, and the 
Same care given that is required to ensure the best success with 
standards, they will prove acontinued source of satisfaction to the 
grower, and may be left, in full health and vigour, a legacy to 
those in middle life whose childhood was made glad with their first 
fruits. 
PREPARING AND FORCING HARDY FLOWERS FOR 
CONSERVATORY DECORATION. 
BY WILLIAM COLE, 
Grove Vineyard, Feltham, 
=O insure a thoroughly satisfactory display of flowers in 
the conservatory during the spring months, it is of the 
\ utmost importance to commence preparations early in 
pray the autumn. The plants and bulbs have not only to be 
= obtained and potted, but the forcing-pit has to be made 
ready, and a stock of fermenting materials, of which newly-gathered 
leaves are perhaps the most valuable, procured. 
I shall not upon the present occasion say much in reference to 
the general cultivation of the hardy plants best adapted for forcing 
for early flowers; for to do so would take up much space, and at 
the present moment information is most needed on the preparation 
of the various subjects, and on their management during the time 
they are in the forcing-pit. Hach subject will be referred to ina 
October, 
