PART VI. 



ON MANURES, THE DISEASES OF FRUIT 

 TREES, ETC. 



Manures. 



As Manure is an essential article in horticulture and 

 floriculture, I think it not out of place, but rather to 

 the purpose, to give a few hints to those amateurs 

 who may not be well acquainted with the best kinds to 

 use for particular plants. And although this is not 

 strictly a treatise on growing trees and plants, yet the 

 cultivation and pruning of them are so closely con- 

 nected, that Manures and Soils form an important 

 element in such a work, for if there is no growth there 

 can be no necessity for pruning. 



Almost all trees, shrubs, and plants require an 

 annual manuring to maintain them in good health. 

 Even forest trees require it, and get it too in the woods 

 and forests, by the annual decay of the fallen leaves 

 which cover the ground. 



Decomposed vegetable matter seems to be the best 

 adapted to trees and plants ; and perhaps old cow-dung 

 may be considered as a very suitable manure for a top- 

 dressing for such as require this kind of treatment, 

 after they have exhausted the roots by flowering and 

 bearing a crop of fruits. 



In reference to the Grape Vine, I have no doubt but 

 that fresh cow-dung is one of the best manures to lay on 

 the surface of the ground for that fruit-bearing plant, 

 whether it is indoors or out of doors. 



As regards the Peach and the Plum, much depends 

 upon the nature of the subsoil and the staple soil as 



