30 MAKCH FRUIT GAEDEX. 



are intended ths preparation of the ground should 

 be commenced at once, as there can be no good 

 results from planting trees in ground untouched until 

 the last moment, and then hastily chopped up and 

 prepared in a superficial manner. It is strange that 

 few people think of manuring for trees ; yet, if they 

 are .to be planted on land that has been much cropped, 

 or where trees have been before, deep digging and 

 manuring are essential to success. Soils deficient in 

 calcareous matter may be greatly improved for all 

 kinds of fruit by a liberal dressing of lime or old 

 mortar. Keep the runners well cut off Strawberries, 

 and the beds clean; they will be benefited by a slight 

 forking at this period. New plantations may now be 

 made in dull weather. Look over Vines on walls and 

 trellises, and remove all leaves that prevent the fruit 

 from receiving the full influence of the sun ; remove 

 any laterals that may have recently formed. Supply 

 Oranges and Lemons liberally with water and thin out 

 the branches to prevent the head from becoming 

 crowded, and throw increased vigour into the shoots 

 left. This is the best month to perform root pruning ; 

 if done now the trees operated upon will produce fruit 

 next year. 



KITCHEN GARDEN. 



This is the time for earnest work in every depart- 

 ment ; make a general clearance of the ground 

 wherever there are vacant spaces, and ridge up all 

 plots not to be planted on during winter. Get a 

 waste corner clear for heaping up manures and com- 

 posts, where they can be turned over during unfavour- 

 able weather. In preparing for next year's crop, 

 trench over the first ground intended for root crops. 



