276 VILLA GAKDENINCt part hi 



vators of moisture, and also tend to keep the soil open and assist 

 the natural drainage. 



Bush Cherries in Pots.— A few early dishes may generally 

 be obtained in this way if there is a cool glasshouse to shelter 

 them when in flower, in the same way as I have recommended for 

 Plums ; in fact the same treatment that suits one will do for the 

 other ' The May Duke is the earliest for this purpose, but others, 

 such as Governor Wood, are good. The soil should be firmly 

 pressed or rammed in the pot, as aU stone fruit succeed best in a 



firm root-run. 



Sheltering the Blossoms.— The Cherry expands its flowers 

 about the same time as the Plum, and though in the case of large 

 orchard trees protection is out of the question, yet wall trees may 

 be easily protected in the same way as I have recommended for 

 Plums— with fishing-nets. SmaU bush Cherries may be protected 

 by having sprays of Yew tree tied among the branches. Flimsy 

 materials" have a great protective power in warding off spring 

 frosts. The ripe fmits must be protected from birds, blackbirds 

 being especially troublesome. . . . ., 



Insects and Diseases.— The black-fly or aphis is the most 

 troublesome insect infesting the Cherry, and if it makes its ap- 

 pearance it should he attacked at once and no quarter given, ihe 

 black-fly is more difficidt to kill than any other species, but it 

 always succumbs to Tolmcco, either in the shape of powder dusted 

 amono- the infested leaves or as a wash. A solution of soft soap, 

 Gishurst compound the same, and an infusion of Quassia chips, 

 are all useful. Soap suds from the laundry may be used, as they 

 have a great cleansing power; and where insects congregate the 



trees soon get filthy. . , i • 



Gumminf^ is the worst and most troublesome disease attacking 

 stone fruits,°the Cherry on some soils suflering much froni it. Its 

 effect is most frequently seen on heavy cold lands. ihe best 

 remedy is to cut away all infected places and dress the wounds 

 with Stockholm tar. Gumming, like canker, is seldom troub e- 

 some to trees in a healthy thriving condition with roots near the 

 surlace Therefore, in our eftbrts to arrest g-ummiug, we must 

 first ascertain the cause, and if the trees are made more suscept- 

 ible by deep rooting in a bad subsoil, which is commonly the case, 

 the roots must be lifted and placed under more favourable condi- 

 tions ; then measures shoidd be taken by cutting away the aftectod 

 part and dressing the wounds with something that will keep out 

 air and destroy all fungoid growths. 



Varieties —Early Purple Gean, Elton, Governor Wood, May 

 Duke, Late Duke, Royal Duke, Knight's Early Black, Bigarreau, 



