■^ <Da^<?tio9 Dralo^p. ^ 



An Iron Bolt in an Apple Tree. 



91 !• Sir, — I have two large apple trees, 

 split at the crotch about twelve inches. The 

 big top was very heavily loaded. I put an 

 iron bolt through the tree, and tightened it 

 up. Will it injure tlie tree ? 



No, the bolt will not harm the tree or 

 its fruit. 



Ashes. 



Jiepfy by C. \V. Youngs Cornwall, to 

 Question goj. 



I think it would be a mistake to put 

 much ashes, leached or unleached, on 

 clay soil, as it would make it harder. On 

 sand it is all right. Coal ashes are much 

 better for clay, as they break it up. Old 

 mortar, chips from an old wood yard are 

 excellent. Such soil should be dug up 

 very rough so as to get the action of the 

 frost on it in the winter. That will soon 

 mellow it down. 



Blackbeppies Drying Up. 



912. Sir, — Is it usual for the blackberry 

 to dry up on the bushes or is it just on our 

 limestone soil, that it does this ? 



W. J. McK., Sdhy. 



With us at Grimsby, the blackberry 

 does not dry up on the bushes, unless in 

 extreme drouth. We have considerable 

 lime in our soil also ; but it is a deep, 

 moist, well drained sandy loam. On 

 heavier soils, the blackberry does not 

 succeed so well. 



How to Treat Strawberry Run- 

 ners. 



913. Sir, — Should the runners be kept 

 cut otr strawberries the forepart of the first 

 season after planting ? 



W. J. McK., SeUnj. 



It is advisable to cut off all blossom 

 buds, and all runners until about the 

 first of August, on newly set plantations, 

 after which each runner may be allowed 

 to make about one plant. 



KiefFer Pear. 



914. .Sir, — Would the Kieffer, be a good 

 stock for top-grafting other varieties, and is it 

 a profitable variety itself ? 



W. .J. McKni, Selby. 



We have not tried top grafting the 

 Kieffer, but from its vigorous habit of 

 growth, its healthy wood, and hardiness, 

 we would judge the Kieffer would be a 

 capital tree for top grafts. 



Regarding the profit of growing the 

 Kieffer, it is almost too soon to reply. 

 So far, it is profitable, notwithstanding 

 its poor quality. It may be kept well 

 into December in ordinary conditions, 

 and takes on a beautiful golden-yellow, 

 and this with the red cheek it frequently 

 possesses, makes it a very beautiful pear. 



It is thought by some that it will be a 

 valuable variety for export, being a good 

 keeper, and not easily susceptible to 

 bruises. 



Planting' Strawberries. 



91S. Sir, — When is the best time to 

 plant strawberries, and which are the best 

 varieties for this section, North Simcoe t 



D. Bolder, CoUingwood. 



Plant in spring as soon as you get 

 the plants ; or if not quite ready when 

 plants arrive you may heel them in care- 

 fully — packing the earth well about the 

 roots, and so hold them till your ground 

 is in thorough cultivation. Success with 

 strawberries depend largely upon cultiva- 

 tion and manure. 



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