254 Editors Letter- Box. 



X. wishes to know how to prepare the ground for Rose Potatoes so as to 

 obtain the largest quantity and best quality of tubers, and whether any dressing 

 after the potatoes are up would be of use. — Potatoes should, if possible, be 

 planted on new land ; old, worn-out garden soil is not favorable for the produc- 

 tion of potatoes of good quality. We believe in spreading manure broadcast, and 

 then putting a little into the hills to start them : some use guano or super-phos- 

 phate of lime for this' purpose. Cut the potatoes into single eyes, and put two 

 pieces in a hill. When tiie crop is hoed for the first time, ashes will be valuable, 

 put about the plants. With such treatment, large crops can be secured. 



Neo inquires whether the grafting-wax which he hears of is the same as 

 common sealing-wax. — We fear some of our readers may be disposed to 

 smile at " Neo's " query as absurd ; but we hope no beginner will hesitate to 

 make any inquiry on any point, even the A B C of horticulture, on which he 

 desires information. Sealing-wax, though much more expensive, would hardly 

 answer the purpose of grafting-wax. Three parts each of rosin and beeswax, 

 with two of tallow, make an excellent grafting-wax. to be applied with the hands, 

 so as to exclude the air from all the cuts made in grafting. Or one pound of 

 rosin, five ounces of beeswax, and six ounces of linseed-oil, spread on sheets of 

 strong, flexible paper (Manilla paper is best), and cut into strips, we have found 

 to answer perfectly. It should be tied on. 



E. H. H., Fitchburg, Mass. — Please give me the names of six of the best 

 varieties of cherries for Massachusetts, reference being had to hardiness and 

 productiveness. — Black Eagle, Black Heart, Downer, Elton, May Duke, Reine 

 Hortense. 



R. of Columbus, O., wishes to plant three acres of cabbages on land that 

 last year raised an average crop of corn, — soil dark loam, well drained, but has 

 not been manured for several years, if ever, except with clover, — and inquires 

 how and in what quantity he shall apply lime and old stable-manure, and how 

 deep he shall plough to get the quickest returns. 



If your soil abounds in vegetable matter, as it probably does, a dressing of 

 lime would be beneficial ; but we should not advise the use of lime in connection 

 with animal manures. The amount per acre should be somewhat proportionate 

 to the natural depth and strength of the soil. Where this is shallow and poor, 

 twenty or thirty bushels might be applied ; while, under opposite conditions, 

 twice this amount would be used with safety. It would be better if the lime 

 could be composted with peat or loam, and allowed to stand a few months before 

 using ; but, if it must be applied fresh, see that it is well air-slacked ; then spread 

 on evenly, and plough in. If its immediate effects are desired, spread on after 

 ploughing, and harrow in ; which is the course we think you had better adopt. 

 As regards the proper depth for ploughing, if the pan or subsoil is not disturbed, 

 you cannot plough too deep. 



For a crop of cabbages, the ground should be naturally strong, generously 

 dressed, and put in the best condition possible : it can hardly be too rich. 



