The Canadian Horticulturist. 303 



better if it has been previously devoted to a potato crop, for the working up and 

 manuring necessary for this crop will be the best of preparation. The ground 

 must be well enriohed, and, when well cultivated and harrowed, should be marked 

 in rows three feet apart with a corn marker. In these rows the plants are set 

 one foot apart. They should be carried to the field in a basket covered with a 

 damp cloth. A man opens the earth with a slanting cut of the spade, while an 

 assistant spreads out the roots and places them in the opening. The spade is 

 then withdrawn, and the earth, falling back, is firmed with the foot, and the 

 plant is securely and well planted. 



$ ©per? I^ettepc?. $ 



Fruit Shipments to Australia. 



SiK, — I am in receipt of your letter of the 2.3r(l of February, concerning apple ship- 

 ments to this market. California apples come here in considerable quantities in October. 

 November and December ; the first two months are best. They are put up in cases of 

 about one bushel each and each fruit is wrapped in tissue paper. The fruit brings about 

 12/ to 14/ a case. The varieties which sell best are Winesap, New York Pippin, American 

 Pippin. This market does not want large apples ; medium sized fruit sells best. I would 

 suggest half barrels, and not barrels. We have never had apples here in any other packages 

 than cases, and it is difficult to say how they would take in half barrels. In any case I 

 would advise only one small shipment to be sent, to arrive here, say in November, and see 

 how the cost landed compares with that from California ; how they carry, etc. The cost 

 would, of course, very much depend upon the railage at Vancouver, If the Canada Pacific 

 Railway wish to encourage traffic, they will have to make their rates low. My own 

 opinion is that, if the fruit arrives here in sound condition and the cost is not greater than 

 from California, there will be a business done in them. The first shipment must necessarily 

 be an experiment. I am, sir, faithfully yours, 



J. S. C. Smith, Gov't. Agent. 



Sydney y New South Wales. 



Killings Burdocks with Kerosene. 



Sir, — From seeing an article in your July number on ** Weed Destruction," I am induced 

 to mention to you a method of getting rid of burdocks which when carefully done has l)een 

 found almost infallible. Cut off the top of a large burdoc, even with the ground, with a 

 knife scoop out the heart of the root for a couple of inches and fill the cavity with coal oil : 

 the larger the plant the deeper the cavity may be made, of course taking care not to cut 

 through the rind of the root, otherwise it would not holil the coal oil which is absorbed by 

 the root and which effectually prevents its sprouting again. Young plants are best treated 

 by pvdling up the entire root. Hoping the above may prove useful to some of your readers, 



I remain, yours truly, 

 July 13th, 1894. L. Giluerslkevk, S64 King St. ^ Kingston. 



