70 PRESENT-DAY GARDENING 



on a mortgage. But before completing a purchase, the 

 beginner should get some expert advice from a friend, or, 

 failing that, pay a fee to a competent man, and have the soil 

 tested in several places. In any case, do not be rushed into 

 buying by such remarks as " Well, give me your reply soon, 

 as there are others after the site." 



Defer Pruning. Don't prune the first year, except 

 such Plums, Damsons, Gooseberries, and Currants as are 

 planted before Christmas. We are very strong on this 

 point, because unpruned Apples and Pears recover them- 

 selves so much more quickly, making much earlier leafage 

 than trees which have been pruned. Remember always 

 that it is wise to form a tree before you allow it to fruit. 

 Trees pruned on planting form little growth, but plenty of 

 fruit spurs, and these prevent a good sound foundation 

 being laid for a vigorous tree. 



Wiring the Hedges. If hedges already exist, cut the 

 inside face in close and upright, and then sink the wire 

 netting 9 inches below the ground level, turning the lower 

 edge outwards if possible. Attach the upper part of the 

 wires to the hedges as close as possible. The hedge will 

 then grow through the meshes and help to keep it in 

 place. It is absolutely needful to wire all plantations to 

 keep out rabbits, using i-inch mesh wire, 3^ feet wide 

 for this purpose. Where standard trees only are planted, 

 each tree should be wired separately. In wiring standard 

 orchard trees, which are best secured by two stakes, the 

 wires must be attached to the stakes, not to the tree. 

 Otherwise, in summer sheep or young cattle will rub against 

 them, and the wire will cut into the tree bark. The 

 position where the tree is secured below the head will 





