MONTHLY CALENDAR. #13 



partially thinned, reserving the main thinning, however, till after it has 

 stoned. The trees will have been mulched last month to prevent evaporation, 

 and should now be watered, and that so copiously that it does not require 

 frequent repetition, pouring the water into the roots. Ainicots will now 

 require their final thinning, and stopping, and watering, also followed by 

 mulching, which is important at this time for all fruit-trees where evaporation 

 is active. 



1227. The beginning of the month is a busy period in this department, and 

 much vigilance and perseverance will be requisite to keep pace with the 

 advancing growth, in preventing and keeping down the different pests. 

 Tobacco-water must be instantly applied, directly the black or green-fly 

 makes its appearance, endeavouring to make it act on the under-side of the 

 leaves. When the foliage becomes cm-led, insect larva) are present : a good 

 sulphurator, charged with snuflf and a small portion of sulphur, will be found 

 the most effectual implement. Before using this, damp the trees with the 

 syringe, and apply the snuff before the tree becomes dry, that it may more 

 effectually adhere to the leaves. Dislodge the maggot, which coils itself up in 

 the foliage, and not unfrequently spoils some of the finest fruit. In dis- 

 budding pears, plums, and cherries, [the fore-right shoots, and those not 

 wanted for laying on, should remain for the pi-esent, as stopping them at this 

 time would only cause a fresh breaking into wood, either of the eyes at 

 the base of the stopped shoot, or some portion of the spm's ; as they, however, 

 look unsightly on well-regulated trees, it will be better to tie them slightly to 

 the main branches for the present : this will give a better appearance to the 

 trees, and bending the shoots will in some measure stop the over free flow of the 

 sap, and so help the object in view. The precise time at which shoots should 

 be shortened must be regulated according to the vigour of the tree, and 

 should be deferred till all danger of the remaining eyes again breaking into 

 wood is over. Cherry-trees now progressing towards maturity should be gone 

 carefully over, the shoots stopped and laid in, and the trees netted, to save 

 the fruit and protect it from birds. If the black-fly appears, cut off the ends 

 of the shoots, unless it is more convenient to wash them in tobacco-water. 



1228. Where a large number of strawberries ai-e yearly forced, the plants 

 after the fruit is gathered will be found valuable for planting out, producing a 

 most abundant crop the following year : the later-forced ones will answer best, 

 as they are not so liable to bloom again in the autumn. Turn the plants into 

 rich soil, and if they are only to remain one year, they may be planted pretty 

 thick : water them till they get established. Place straw or some similar 

 material between strawberries now in bloom, to preserve the fruit clean 

 in heavy rains, and to keep the ground moist. To grow this fruit in per- 

 fection, it is necessary to keep the roots moist while it is swelling, either by 

 mulching, which prevents evaporation, or by watering, when it is necessary to 

 give a liberal supply. To accelei-ate the ripening process, lay some pieces of 

 sbto or tiles under some of the best fruit. Where expense is no object, tiles 

 maybe obtained cut so as to join round the roots of the plant and fit together ; 



