90 THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



would be both useful and ornamental, as, for example, the Siberian 

 Crab, which is one of the most beautiful of trees, and its pretty- 

 fruit makes a good preserve. All the varieties of Nuts are hand- 

 some, and make nice lovers' walks. For particular positions the 

 Purple-leaved Filbert is well adapted, the leafage being of a rich 

 bronzy-green colour, and the nuts of excellent quality. Those who 

 wish for ornamental trees that will contribute to the comfort of the 

 household may easily find them, and we are quite sure no one will 

 dispute the proposition that decorative horticulture might derive 

 considerable aid from the trees and shrubs that belong technically 

 to the fruit garden.' 



" The closing chapter is headed, ' Reminders of Monthly "Work.' 

 The twelve articles are as they should be, short, and are interspersed 

 with seasonable hints. We recommend the book as one from which 

 amateurs and even professional gardeners may derive reliable 

 information, which is the more acceptable as it is conveyed in an 

 entertaining manner." 



NOTES FOE AMATEURS. 



fOW to Prune Fkuit Trees. — With regard to pruning 

 pears and apples, to ensure bloom-buds and to check too 

 luxuriant growth every side-shoot, or at least all that are 

 not required to be left to increase the size of the tree, 

 should be shortened to about six or eight inches, begin- 

 ning about the end of July and at the top of the tree (this is import- 

 ant), taking off about one-third the nay down; then in about five 

 or six days prune the second part, which is the middle of the tree, 

 and finally the third or lower part of the tree in five or six days 

 after the second pruning, and in the winter a final pruning of all 

 these shoots to the fruit buds. 



How to Prevent Dumpiness in Hyacinth Spikes. — Long 

 before they bloom you will have to note how the flower-stem pushes, 

 for it is a common defect of even good hyacinths, and especially 

 those first forced, to come dumpy, the bloom close to the crown, so 

 that the leaves overtop the blossom as if the latter were ashamed 

 of itself. This is easily prevented, though some plants refuse im- 

 provement. Make, a number of funnels of stout brown paper, or 

 even common newspaper, each funnel to be from six to nine inches 

 long, and sufficiently wide to include the bulb and a portion of the 

 soil, or, if in glasses, to fit outside the upper rim of the glass. The 

 funnels are to be shaped like those in which grocers put sugar, but 

 instead of the narrow end being brought to a point, it must be left 

 open to the extent of half an inch or so. If made grocer-fashion, 

 they may be pasted up, and when dry cut at each end to fit neatly 

 and admit light only at the top. This will seldom fail to coax the 

 flower-stem upwards. As soon as the flower-stem is long enough, 

 remove the funnel. For the early-forced flowers, this plan is essen- 

 tial to the perfect development of the flower." — HibbercVs Garden 

 Favourites. 



