72 The Canadian Horticulturist. 



HIBISCUS. 



.537. Sir, — Would you kindly inform me as to the proper treatment in the fall aud 

 winter of the Hibiscus. Should they be trimmed down when the leaves begin to decay ? 



Rich. H. Light, Kingston. 



This is a shrub belonging to the Mallows family, a family containing about 

 one hundred and fifty species, ranging in size from herbs and shrubs up to trees. 

 The common cheese of the yards and the holyhocks of our gardens are familiar 

 specimens. Hardy kinds of hibiscus may be grown out of doors and need very 

 little pruning, except perhaps a little cutting back in the spring. If grown 

 indoors they should be planted in large pots. Suitable soil is made of peat and 

 tibrv loam, with the addition of a little charcoal or sand. They should be 

 allowed to rest during the winter, and in the spring the growth should be started 

 with considerable heat and moisture. Perhaps some of our friends among the 

 florists will write us more fully in reply to this question. 



GRAFTING. 



■538. Sir, — When is the best time to cut scions? How should they be kept till 

 wanted ': How is the grafting wax made for use on paper, for whip grafting ? 



Ira N. Bcrt, Keswick Ridge. 



Scions for grafting are usually cut in early spring, some time in advance of 

 the time of their use. and while the buds are still perfectly dormant. They are 

 much less likely to grow if the buds are even allowed to swell before cutting. 

 Sometimes they are cut a long time in advance, even in the late fall or early 

 winter, and in this case they are packed in boxes with fresh-made sawdust, in 

 alternate layers, by which means they are kept plump until needed. Care must 

 be used to keep them cool so the buds will not push. 



Grafting wax is prepared in several ways. For whip grafting, indoors, a 

 wax is made by melting together two pounds rosin, one and one-quarter pounds 

 of beeswax, and three-fourths of a pound of tallow. Instead of tallow, linseed 

 has been found better, using a pint of the latter instead of the former. Thin 

 calico cloth is rolled and dipped in this solution, unrolled while warm, and then 

 cut in convenient strips : or the solution is spread with a brush on a certain 

 brown paper known as grafting paper. 



A GOOD SPRAY PUMP. 



539. Sir. — I want to get a good spray pump, suitable for orchard trees. Would 

 you please give me the name and probable cost of the kinds used in your province. 



Wellington Mutch, Eldon, P. E. I. 



See page 51 of this number for a description of a good Canadian made 

 sprayer. 



