204 The Canadian Horticulturist 



It is not probable that ashes will cure the yellows now becoming so com- 

 mon in some sections, though at one time there was considerable hope in this 

 direction. But prevention is better than cure ; and there is good reason to 

 believe that a peach tree kept in vigorous health will be able to resist the 

 yellows ; just as perfect health in the human system prevents, or throws off many 

 forms of disease. Barnyard manure is also a good fertilizer for peach trees as 

 well as for most other things dependent on the soil. But it should be remem- 

 bered that ashes, or anything containing potash, must not be applied at the 

 same time with barnyard manure ; for the ammonia, one of the best elements 

 in the latter, would be liberated by potash and lost. Six months at least should 

 intervene between the application of these two valuable fertilizers — the best 

 probably, of all fertilizing materials, considering everything — .National Stock 



CUCUMBER UNDER GLASS. 



Although the cultivation of cucumbers during the winter months is some- 

 what troublesome, they are comparatively easy of management during the longer 

 and brighter spring days. Plants from seed sown at the end of February will 

 give a supply of fruit from about the middle of April until plants outside begin to 

 ■bear The starting of seeds is sometimes troublesome on account of dampening 

 off just after germination has begun ; this can be prevented by careful planting. 

 A little study of the habit of the seed will show that the embryo breaks through 

 the shell at the point or thin end, the root being first produced. The seeds 

 should be set so that the roots can go directly down into the soil and the top 

 shoot upward. If the seeds are sown at random the little plant, after germina- 

 tion, is sometimes in a position from which it cannot extricate itself. They 

 should be sown in small pots in a light sandy soil and placed in a good bottom- 

 heat ; as soon as the plants are up they should be removed to a light situation 

 near the glass, but shaded from strong sunlight. They must be shifted into 

 larger pots as soon as they are strong enough, using a heavier soil than before, 

 and which the roots will now be able to take hold of. When planted into their 

 permanent quarters a few tobacco-stems spread about will help to keep off the 

 black fly, which is always a ready enemy. It is necessary to keep the atmos- 

 phere moist and to syringe twice daily on bright days, but the syringing must be 

 done lightly, as the leaves are tender and easily damaged. On this account 

 smoking should never be resorted to as a means of destroying the fly, but if this 

 pest becomes troublesome fresh tobacco should be spread over the pipes and 

 sprinkled with water. This should be done when the pipes are warm and the 

 house is closed. A night temperature of sixty degrees is sufficiently high, with 

 a rise of fifteen degrees through the day. The plants may be slightly shaded to 

 advantage when the sun is bright. We have tried several varieties, but find 

 none equal to Telegraph for quality, productiveness and free growth. 



