The Canadian Horticulturist. 227 



If it is desired to grow the plants in bush form, they should be pinched 

 back when four or five inches high. Branches will then start at every leaf, and 

 these again may be pinched back when they have grown six or eight inches. 

 If a tree form is desired, one straight stem should be trained to a stake, and 

 when a couple of feet high, the tops should be nipped off and a few branches 

 allowed to start to form the head. These may be pinched back when they have 

 grown a few inches, and all branches starting on the stem below these should be 

 rubbed off. Large blooms may be obtained by leaving but few branches. 



Trees for Live Posts. 



742. Sir, — Please say whether black walnut would answer for fence posts for sup- 

 porting wire fences. If so, where could I get the trees, and when would l)e the best time 

 to plant the same ? Is there any other tree that you would consider better for the 

 purpose ? 



J. Neil, Centralia, Ont. 



The black walnut is a very durable tree, but grows to a considerable size 

 and is very exhaustive upon the soil. We are inclined to think the Lombardy 

 poplar a better tree for this purpose. It is a quick grower, and, being very 

 upright, will afford very little shade. 



Ppopagfating" Blackberry Plants. 



743. Sib, — In dividing up blackberry roots in the spring for propagation, how short 

 cin you cut them to make healthy plants ? Can black raspberries be done in the same 

 way ? Mrs. a. Fraser, Weston. 



The roots should be cut in the fall, and kept stored in sand till spring, in 

 order that the cut may callus over, but a certain proportion may grow if cut in 

 spring. The roots may be cut in pieces from one to two inches in length. In 

 planting they should be laid horizontally, about an inch deep in good soil. If 

 started in a hotbed they will stool better and make excellent plants the first season. 



Whale-Oil Soap Wash. 



744. Sir, — In your last issue you give the advice of Prof. Howard as to the use of 

 whale-oil soap. Please give directions for the use of that substance. I have used kero- 

 sene emulsion, diluted in nine parts of water, and have caused severe loss of young nursery 

 stock. 



J. E. Hardy, Oha, Que. 



Probably the injury was the result of imperfect emulsifying, leaving some 

 pure kerosene in the liquid. Kerosene itself is fatal to vegetable growth, but 

 when properly emulsified so that it will mix with water, it is safe. The kerosene 

 should not form more than i-i5th part of the whole mixture. Whale-oil soap 

 wash is made with i pound whale-oil soap to five gallons of water. 



