LOQUAT. 



34* 



in the following year. Lady Parker's tree was kept under glass constantly. It was 

 grown in a pot 14 inches in diameter, and perfected a dozen bunches of fruit. We give 

 the requisite cultural details. 



Propagation. Plants are easily raised from seed, but seedlings are a long time in 

 coming into profit. Cuttings of side-shoots, 2 or 3 inches long, inserted in sandy soil, 

 under a bell glass, make sturdier and more fruitful plants than those from seed ; but 

 grafting on the quince stock is the best method of securing fruitful trees. The stock 

 should be stout and a trifle thicker than the scion. The ends of well-ripened growths 

 make the best grafts. Grafting is best done close to the ground in late April, paring 

 the scion very thin, and re- 

 moving the leaves except those 

 at the crown of the shoot. If 

 the weather be hot and sunny, 

 place a flower-pot over the 

 graft, tilted on its northern 

 side, and remove it in about 

 ten days. In October the 

 grafted trees may be taken 

 up and potted, or planted out 

 in a prepared bed in a con- 

 servatory. 



Soil. A mixture of light 

 loam, the top 3 inches of a 

 pasture four parts, old cow 

 manure, or leaf soil and charcoal nuts half a part each, with an admixture of sand so as 

 to render the compost porous, is suitable. The growth is too free and soft in rich soil. 

 Perfect drainage is imperative, and a restricted root-space essential. A large tree may 

 be grown in an 18-inch pot, grand specimens in tubs 2 feet square, and fine trees in 

 beds 4 feet square. For the latter 18 inches depth of soil is ample, resting on 1 foot of 

 drainage. 



Mode of Bearing. The fruit is borne at the ends of the shoots, but only on ripe 

 wood under glass. Though trees against warm, open walls have survived ordinary 

 winters in the south of England, yet severe frost is fatal to them. Stubby growths 

 with plump terminal buds should be aimed at, as vigorous shoots with large leaves 



Hg. 108. FBUITING BBANCHLET OF LOQUAT. 



