THE GARDEN AT HOME 



of eating them. But in some soils notably those of 

 sandy loam that are naturally well drained, such as are 

 characteristic of some parts of Buckinghamshire, Kent, and 

 Hertfordshire Cherries thrive so splendidly that it 

 seems unpardonable neglect not to grow them. There is 

 much to be said for the practice of planting Cherry trees 

 for the sake of their blossom alone, and taking what one 

 is able to persuade the birds to leave in the way of 

 fruit. The flower display in spring is invariably most 

 lavish, the fascinating bunches of pink-tipped buds and 

 white blossom throng the boughs in riotous profusion. 

 There is little to puzzle the home gardener in the cultiva- 

 tion of the Cherry. His chief care should be not to plant 

 in rich heavy soil, as the disease called " gumming," to 

 which Cherries are especially liable, may make its appear- 

 ance, resulting in the loss of large branches. The fruits 

 of the Cherry are produced on spurs that form naturally 

 on the branches ; consequently the routine of summer 

 and winter pruning is practised. But, in common with 

 the Plum, the Cherry bears freely on young shoots, and 

 these may be allowed to develop as occasion offers, but 

 the branches must not be allowed to get crowded. If 

 unusually gross shoots arise, it is no use attempting to 

 remedy matters by cutting them out ; it is the roots 

 that must be pruned. The Morello Cherry is commonly 

 grown against walls facing east or north. The pruning 

 for this kind is as explained for the Peach and Nectarine. 



The Loganberry and Blackberry. One may con- 



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