The Canadian Horticulturist. ioi 



We have not as yet made any analysis of refuse from Canadian tanneries. 

 Most probably the fresh material would contain from 75% to 85% of water, the 

 nitrogen approximating 3%. Without examining the sample referred to by your 

 correspondent, I could not say exactly what it is worth, but in all probability 

 the price mentioned by your correspondent of 25 cents per load is not too high. 



I should advise the composting of the refuse before apphcation to the soil. 

 By so doing a more immediate effect would be obtained than by applying the 

 material directly to the soil. Stable manure or good soil might be used to 

 advantage as a composting material. There are also other substances, such as 

 wood ashes and lime, that can be used for this purpose. 



For general fruit culture, the compost of tannery refuse should be supple- 

 mented by fertilizers containing potash and phosphoric acid, more especially 

 the former. Wood ashes, kainit and muriate of potash are forms in which the 

 potash may be applied ; bone meal and superphosphate more especially furnish 

 phosphoric acid. 



Sandy soils are especially benefited by an application of organic manure. 

 Some add humus, and by this means improve the soil's absorbent capacity for 

 moisture. From this standpoint, I consider that the compost of tannery refuse 

 would be a highly desirable form in which to supply nitrogen for soils of a light 

 character. 



Occasionally I have known the spent tan bark of tanneries to be called 

 tannery refuse. This material is hemlock bark from which the " tan " has been 

 extracted. It is essentially woody fibre. A sample that we examined some 

 years ago contained -167% of nitrogen. As a fertihzer, I am of the opinion 

 that this material is almost valueless, since it contains very little plant food, and 

 is of such a nature that it resists decomposition in the soil for a very long time. 



Pruning" Gooseberry Bushes and Spruce Hedges. 



8O2. Sir, — Should gooseberry bushes, and a spruce hedge be pruned in March ; if 

 not, when ? Thos. H. Alton. 



The gooseberries may be pruned in March, but the evergreens would heal 

 better if pruned about the ist of June, when young growth is pushing forward. 



Mulch for Strawberry Plants. 



§03. Sir,— What is the best kind of mulch to use on strawberries, and when should 

 it be applied ? T. H. A. 



If for winter protection, evergreen boughs, or a coarse strawy manure, applied 

 as soon as the ground is frozen ; if to keep fruit clean, straw or sawdust applied 

 just as the fruit begins to ripen. The following remarks on mulching the straw- 

 berry patch, by Mr. Rice, before the Bullville, N. Y., Farmers' Institute, will be 

 interesting in this connection : — 



