386 Editors Lctter-Box. 



A Subscriber. — I have a tree that has been injured on one side of the 

 trunk by being run against, and there is a large wound in consequence. Will 

 you tell me how to treat it ? — Cover the wound with a composition of clay and 

 horse-dung, and bind a cloth over all. If the wound is a small one, wax will 

 answer a similar purpose. The same remedy will answer when trees are injured 

 by the winter, or are scorched by the hot sun of summer, producing a wound. 

 A healthy young bark will soon be formed over such scars by using the compo- 

 sition spoken of. 



I. O. U., Portland, Me. — Will pear-trees bear severe pruning and shortening 

 in ? and is it a profitable course to pursue ? — Yes, they will bear it, and give good 

 results, but would not be profitable, except possibly in small gardens, where it is 

 important to get a good many varieties on a small space. The trees may be 

 trimmed in several forms, — wine-glass, cone, and column. 



Two Opinions. — Is the Wilson's Albany strawberry worth growing ? — Not 

 for home use : it is too poor and acid. It is uncertain. Under favorable cir- 

 cumstances, it pays very well ; none better. Some would plant the Wilson 

 for market in preference to nine-tenths of the strawberries now cultivated. 



Small Fruit, West Cambridge. — Should strawberries be sent to market 

 with, or without, the hulls 1 in baskets, or boxes ? — They bear transportation 

 better if sent to market without being hulled ; and this mode is becoming 

 more popular every year. Boston style is hulled, and in boxes. Our friends 

 in Jersey send in small baskets. We think the former preferable for New 

 En^fland. 



A Well-Wisher. — In transplanting large fruit-trees, would it be best to 

 shorten in ? How about mulching and staking trees, or placing stones about 

 them .'' — It is well to shorten in trees of some species when transplanted. Should 

 not do it with cherry-trees ; should never transplant a large peach-tree ; but, 

 with pear and apple trees, we have no doubt of its utility : should prefer to mulch. 

 Staking may be resorted to sometimes when the top of the tree is large, and 

 holds a good deal of wind. Stones placed about the tree answer a similar pur- 

 pose. We have an article on staking trees, in press. 



A Beginner, out West. — In the summer-cultivation of the grape, would 

 you plough among the vines 1 — It is better to avoid the plough near the roots ; 

 for there is great danger, that, by its use, many roots would be destroyed. Use 

 the cultivator mostly. 



Marcus, Bellows Falls, Vt. — How late in the season will it do to plant 

 strawberries ? — The last of April, or first of May, is the best time of the year ; 

 but if the weather is favorable, and care is taken, they may be planted as late as 

 July, and give fair results the following year. Fall-planting is not profitable at 

 the North. 



