508 THE FRUIT GARDEN. THE ORCHARD. [SEPT. 



and when finished, water the whole plentifully should the weather 

 happen to be dry at the time. 



The old strawberry beds will require to be kept clear from large 

 overgrown weeds, and in October are to have their autumn dressing 

 as there directed. 



N. B. If you intend to force strawberries in the winter or early 

 spring months, this is the time to pot them for that purpose. The 

 alpine and scarlet kinds are the best for forcing ; they should be 

 strong plants of two years old, and in a proper state for full bearing. 

 Provide as many pots of about seven inches diameter at top, and made 

 in proportion, as you think may be sufficient, and at the same time 

 get some good loamy earth, made fine with 'a spade, place a few inches 

 thereof 'into the bottom of each pot, previously laying a shell over 

 each hole as directed on former occasions, then take up each plant 

 with a ball of earth to its roots, pare the ball neatly round with the 

 knife, clear the plant from decayed leaves and runners, place it in 

 the pot and fill up the spaces around the sides and over the surface 

 of the ball with fine earth. Water the whole when potted, and re- 

 move them to the shade for eight or ten days till newly rooted ; then 

 you may plunge them to their rims in any open part of the garden, 

 there to remain, watering them occasionally till the approach of 

 winter, when the pots are to be placed under the protection of frames 

 and glasses till taken into the forcing departments. 



This practice is absolutely necessary, in the middle and eastern 

 States, as during winter the earth is so hard frozen as to render it 

 impracticable to take up the plants out of the open ground, when 

 wanted, without injury; moreover, when they are potted at this 

 season, their roots will be well established before the time of forcing 

 commences, and consequently the plants will be much more product- 

 ive of fruit. 



THE ORCHARD. 



COLLECTING RIPE FRUIT. 



Apples and pears that attain now to full maturity, rarely keep as 

 well as those which ripen in the ensuing month; but when it is de- 

 sirable to preserve them as long as possible, they must be treated as 

 directed in October. 



When planting of fruit-trees is intended in the months of October 

 or November, opportunity ought to be taken of any leisure time that 

 may now occur for the preparation of the ground, as directed in 

 March, under the head Orchard. 



