I'HE Canadian Horticulturist. 103 



Coal Ashes. 



807. Sir, — Are coal ashes any use around gooseberry bushes ? 



T. H. A. 



As a mulch, yes ; as a fertilizer, very little. 



Strawbeppy Cpossing. 



SO8. Sir, — How are strawberries crossed ? T. H. A. 



The stamens, if any, must be cut out of the blossom, and the emasculated 

 flower treated with pollen from the variety you wish to cross it with. For this 

 work a camel's hair pencil is a convenient tool. The flower must be protected 

 by a little bag from any other pollen both before and after the operation. The 

 seed- from the fruit thus operated upon will produce a cross between the two 

 varieties. 



Planting Evepg'peens. 



809. Sir, — When is the time to plant evergreens? T. H. A. 



Evergreens may be transplanted almost anytime, providing the roots are 

 not allowed to become the least dried by exposure to sun or air. To this kind 

 of injury evergreens are more s.usceptible than other trees, and if roots once 

 become dry, it is impossible to make the tree survive its removal. An excellent 

 time for removing them is about the ist of June, when they are beginnit;g to 

 push out new growth. August is advocated by some planters, because the 

 drought of summer is over. 



Varieties of Raspberries and Blackbeppies. 



8 to. Sir, — What are the V>est varieties of red raspberries, black caps, and black- 

 berries? T. H. A. 



That depends on the purpose for which they are wanted. If for the 

 general market, we would commend Marlboro and Cuthbert, red raspberries; 

 Hillborn and Gregg, black raspberries, and Agawam and Snyder, blackberries. 

 Where it is hardy enough, and does not rust, the Kittatinny is the finest black- 

 berry. 



Pruning" Plums. 



811. Sir, — Should plum trees be pruned ? 



T. H. A. 



Yes, (i) to direct growth and (2) to thin out cross branches and (3)10 



shorten in sprawling limbs. 



