Yl PUEFAC" -TO TaE R::\-ISnD EDITION. 



It is a ])ity that sunc restrictions cannot l.c })ut on the 

 introduction of new sorts, by requiring a certilicute of 

 some competent authoritative body. It must ultimately 

 come to this, if vv'e are to prevent a waste of time and 

 money on perfectly worthless novelties. 



The subject of manures and fertilizers more and more 

 attracts the attention of cultivators. At agricultural and 

 horticultural meetings, as well as in the press, it is a 

 standing theme for discussion. This has led to a better 

 appreciation of their value, but there has really been no 

 new light shed on the subject. Stable manure continues 

 to be the staple and, where it can be had, answers every 

 purpose. Lime, aslies, and ground bones are very good, 

 and can he safely and freely used to supplement the pro- 

 duct of the stable and barnyard. 



Manufactured fertilizers are now used in large quan- 

 tities; no doubt all of these have some degree of merit, 

 but very many of them, judging from the reports of 

 trustworthy chemists and experimenters, are by no means 

 worth what they cost. As they are coming into such 

 general use we shall soon know more about them. 



The cultivation of orchards and fruit plantations has 

 recently been the subject of much inquiry and discussion. 

 The result has no doubt been in the main beneficial, al- 

 though the question practically remains just where it was. 

 It seems to have been settled beyond dispute, by long 

 experience and observation, that the ground, in all young 

 plantations, should be kept in a state of cultivation, and 

 if cropped at all, only with what are called hoed or cul- 

 tivated crops. Even these must be kept at sufficient 

 distances from the trees to not affect them injuriously, 

 either at root or top. When trees have reached the bear- 

 ing age, the ground may safely be seeded down to grass 

 and kept so a few years. In this case the grass should 

 either be fed off, or kept close cut like a lawn, and ma- 

 nure be frequently applied on the surface; a light dress- 



