4 Retrospective View of the 



.consequently need the ventilating power of the spaces be- 

 tween the glass ; but, on the contrary, we have driving 

 storms of rain, which might essentially injure the crop if 

 happening at some peculiar stages of its growth. But 

 notwithstanding objections may be raised against the pro- 

 priety of cultivating grapes on Mr. Crawshay's plan in our 

 climate, we should still be highly gratified to see an attempt 

 made in a small way. 



In our volume for 1842 some excellent articles appeared 

 on the destruction of the canker worm. In the last for 

 1843, is an elaborate paper on the Curculio, by Dr. Burnett 

 of Southboro', communicated to the Horticultural Society, 

 and kindly furnished us for publication. The habits and 

 character of the insect are well described, and to those pre- 

 viously unacquainted with the curculio, in its different sta- 

 ges, it will afford the opportunity of better watching his 

 depredations, and of suggesting a safe and speedy method 

 of destruction. 



The sexual character of the strawberry yet remains a 

 subject of discussion. We have recorded our opinion (p. 

 415) in relation to it, and see no reason to alter it: when 

 we are convinced to the contrary, we shall lose no time in 

 informing our readers of the fact. We have already stated 

 that we are instituting some experiments by which we think 

 the question may be satisfactorily settled ; yet we would 

 wish cultivators to send us any information which may 

 throw light upon this subject. 



The good effects of root pruning we have incidentally 

 noticed (Vol. IX. p. 404) ; we cannot, however, allow this 

 opportunity to pass without impressing upon those who 

 have overgrown trees, barren of fruit, or even young vigor- 

 ous trees without fruit, the importance of root pruning. 

 We know from our own experience that nothing can be 

 more certain in its effects than root pruning. Judiciously 

 done there is no danger of injuring the tree, and at least 

 two or three years time are saved, by mducing an earlier 

 period of fruiting than they would attain without pruning. 

 A Washington plum tree, in our garden, several years old, 

 which had never borne any fruit, was pruned in the spring 

 of 1842, and the past summer it produced a liberal crop of 

 fruit. By checking luxuriant wood, trees are induced to 

 make short growths, which eventually become fruit spurs 

 and bear abundantly. 



