120 
THE GARDENERS’ 
CHRONICLE. 
(FEB. 25, 
feet (the length I recommend for outside planting), prune 
pack to. that, then disbud the whole cane, that is, cut 
every bud clean out (leaving the leaves uninjured), with 
the exception of the two uppermost, as there will now, 
by keeping the pit cool, be no danger of breaking, and 
the food, still gathered and stored up by the roots, will 
go to the support of the remaining buds, and cause them 
to break more strong and bold in their new situation in 
the following spring.” The Author plants his young 
Vines before vegetation has commenced in spring, bury- 
ing the disbudded part of the stem not more than three 
inches below the surface of the border, and spreading 
the roots out singly ‘in the fan manner.” 
watering at the time of planting, which, however, can 
hardly be necessary at such a season of the 
To encourage the /ayered part of the stem to emit roots, 
he lays “over the roots and stems stable litter and 
leaves in a good state of fermentation, to the width of 
jointed cane.”’ 
The system of management recommended is, to begin 
with a night temperature of 50°, increasing to 60° as 
the foliage becomes fully expanded, with a range of 20 
or 25 degrees higher by solar heat, keeping up a 
very moist atmosphere in the day. A good warmth 
is also maintained at the roots by the means before 
mentioned. Caution is advised in taking off the la. 
terals, especially after the leading shoots have been stop- 
ped, which is done when they have attained a length 
of twelve feet, to ‘‘throw the strength back, to the 
increasing and maturing the stem and eyes and increasing 
the roots.’”’ As soon as the wood is ripe, and while the 
foliage is still fresh, a sufficient number of the best-placed 
buds are selected to produce spurs for future bearing, and 
all the others are cut out without injuring the leaves; 
thus, in a space of 8 or 9 feet (to which length the wood 
is to be cut back when pruned), 4 or 5 pairs of buds are 
retained, independently, of course, of a terminal one to 
give a leading shoot in the following year. So far as we 
are aware, this practice of early disbudding is peculiar to 
Mr. Roberts; and, in conjunction with early pruning, and 
the timely removal of all useless growths, is strongly in- 
eulcated by him, on the principle of not wasting the 
To encourage the roots to the 
carrion, covering the whole with an inch or two of half- 
rotten stable manure, to prevent evaporation.’’ 
In the second year, the Vines are permitted to bear 
fruit, one bunch only upon each side shoot. In general 
management, no material deviation is made from the sys- 
tem of which we have given an outline. Fires are applied 
in March, beginning with a night temperature of 45°, 
which is gradually increased to 65° or 68° by the time the 
Vines are in blossom ; the temperature insthe day being 
at all times 15 or 20 degrees higher. After the fruit is 
thinned the range is still greater—from 65° to 95°. 
Among other directions for the application of heat, the 
author says, “ Maintain your heat by day, giving a little 
air as before mentioned ; if cloudy, cool, weather should 
intervene, keep up a brisk heat by stirring well your fires 
early in the morning, and up to mid-day, keeping up to 
80° or 85° with a very humid atmosphere. By allowing 
your fires or boilers to cool down in the after part of the 
day, you will be able to do without fire in the night, as 
before ; it is my practice to give heat with light, and to 
reduce it with approaching darkness.’’ This rule is gene- 
rally too little observed in forcing ; at the same time, in 
its application, the utmost caution is necessary to keep 
within safe limits, for a crop of fruit might very easily be 
lost by experimenting upon temperature. Artificial 
warmth is maintained at the roots till the beginning of 
July, when the fermenting material is wholly removed and 
the border exposed to the summer sun. The advantage 
of continuing this protection to the roots is strongly in- 
sisted upon, and it is argued that a deficiency of warmth 
at the root is the great cause of that baneful disease, 
«¢ shanking,’’ about which so much has been written to so 
little purpose. We have always maintained that the 
rimary cause of this defect is want of food. When a 
ine is overloaded with fruit, or when a profusion of use- 
upon another like sticks in a faggot, one leaf overshadow- 
ing the other, so that none can perform their proper func- 
tion of assimilating nutriment; or when the soil is ex- 
hausted and poor, or the delicate rootlets checked in their 
action by cold and wet, the supply of food to the whole 
system of the plant must of necessity be diminished, and 
the young fruit, having less attractive power than the 
Teaves, is, in consequence, the first to suffer. It will 
be found that shanking and shrivelling of the berries 
always take place at the time when the greatest demand 
js made upon the plant for their support, which is when 
they are finally swelling off after stoning. At that stage 
the berries will, in a short time, increase to nearly double 
their previous size; and for that rapid increase a great 
quantity of new matter must of course be required. The 
author’s remarks upon thinning are very judicious. He 
advises it to be done as soon as the berries are fairly set, 
and cautions the operator against touching the bunches 
with head or hands wet with perspiration, which is well 
known to produce a disease of the cuticle called “rust.” 
tem, and gives sound reasons for that preference ; not 
however, the spur system of the neighbourhood of Lon- 
don, which leaves a pruned Vine like ‘‘ a dressed Crab 
walking-stick,’”” but one more consonant with nature. 
His method is to prune (before the leaves have fallen) 
to a promising bud, even though it should be the 
fourth from the base of the shoot, cutting the inter- 
mediate ones betweenit and the first bud clean out. Each 
spur therefore bears two buds, the uppermost of which is 
intended to produce a fruit-bearing shoot, and the lower- 
most a shoot without fruit—to form a spur in the follow- 
ing year. The principal objection urged ‘against long 
spurring by its opponents is, that, in a few years, the 
spurs become inconyeniently long and very unsightly ; 
this, however, is the fault of bad management rather than 
of the system, as it is possible to keep them very near 
home for a number of years by judicious cutting. To 
obtain large bunches, there can be no question of the 
superiority ,of Mr. Roberts’s method. We are told by 
physiologists that the bud for the next is nurtured by the 
leaf of the present year ; consequently, the perfect forma- 
tion of a bud must mainly depend upon the perfect deve- 
lopment and proper action of the leaf that feeds it. Now, 
if a growing shoot is examined, it will invariably be found 
that the first leaf, and perhaps the second also, is much 
smaller and less perfect than the third and fourth ;*there- 
fore science as well as experience teaches us that the third 
or the fourth bud will produce the finest fruit, There 
are others, again, who condemn every modification of spur 
pruning; because it involves the necessity of a perma- 
nant main stem which consumes a great deal of sap for its 
maintenance “that would otherwise be expended in the 
formation of fruit ; but this objection is more theoretical 
than practical. Taking a period of ten years from the 
planting of the Vines, the weight of wood cut away in 
pruning, including the objectionable permanent stems, 
would not be much greater in the spur than in the long- 
rod system ; and we believe that the weight of fruit would 
be in favour of spurring. 
It is not stated how the Vines are treated when dormant, 
but;it would appear that they are turned out of the house 
in winter, after having been pruned, peeled, and anointed 
with a mixture of sulphur, soft soap, tobacco, and nux 
vomica, laid on while warm. 
The leading features of the Author’s practice are there- 
fore, 1st—the} provision of an ample supply of food; 
2ndly—to procure strong and well-rooted young plants ; 
3rdly—to supply a genial warmth to the roots, so,that they 
may be in a condition to act in unison with the leaves ; 
4thly—by a skilful application of the agents of culture, to 
obtain solid wood and well-formed buds; 5thly—by the 
timely removal of all useless parts, such as ten’ rils, late- 
rals, and superabundant fruit, to cause all the aliment 
prepared by the plant to be profitably expended in the 
formation of fruit and bearing wood ; 6thly—not to excite 
too hastily, but to call all the organs of the plant into 
gradual action. 
So many points in Mr. Roberts’s practice have de- 
manded notice, that these remarks are extended consider- 
ably further than was at first intended. It now only 
remains for us to recommend every person who has the 
management of Vines under glass to read this little Trea- 
tise; which, if it should not teach him anything abso- 
lutely new, will at least make him acquainted with an 
excellent course of culture. The Author is a plain, prac- 
tical man, evidently more accustomed to the use of the 
pruning-knife than of the pen; his style therefore, although 
easily understood, will admit of a little improvement in 
another edition.— W. 
CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS for the enswing week. 
No kind of weather hinders the operations of the gardener and 
armer at this season so muchas wet. Seeds can hardly be en- 
trusted tothe ground when the soil is very damp, particularly on 
heavy lands: no wheeling can be done, and to turn composts 
than useless. The 
indeed, where there is the convenience of an early vinery, or even 
forcing-pits or frames, Peas and Beans forced in these, from the 
middle to the end of February, and carefully planted out after 
being inured to the change, will come in fully as soon, if not 
sooner, than those sown in the borders in November.—I cannot 
resist the temptation of referring to two sensible letters in the 
last Chronivle, called forth by some observations I made in the 
Calendar. . Mr, Alexander’s valuable remarks on coppice-wood 
instruct, without ruffling the feelings of the reader. It is much 
to be regretted that young gardeners should so often indulge in 
personal abuse while suggesting or explaining points of practice ; 
crop; and if on the 
the leaves. 
Pracu-HousE.—Continue to disbud those eyes which are not 
wanted next season, and stop the shoots along the bearing 
branches, as they advance, two or three joints beyond the fruit. 
Keep the air in a mild, moist state, and let no green-fly or other 
enemy get a footing in the house. 
Currry-nouse.—tThe Cherry, being produced on spurs, does 
not require close disbudding, like the Peach. A mild,moist atmo- 
sphere an ance of air, whenever the weather admits, are 
essential to them. 
Fies.—Same as last week. 
CucumMBERS AND MeLons.—Stop the laterals of these above 
the first joint, until you think the plants are strong enough to 
begin bearing ; and keep up a uniform temperature at their roots. 
Slight hotbeds may yet be made, to forward Radishes, Carrots, 
Potatoes, Lettuce, and Cauliflower seeds; ulso Peas, Beans, and 
some sweet herbs, if wanted early. se auxiliary beds are 
hooped over, and covered with mats, they will answer well enough 
after this time. 
Out-door Department. 
Parsiry.—Of all the vegetable seeds, that of Parsley requires 
the longest time to vegetate; it should therefore be one of the 
first sown. 
Canpacrs.—A few seeds of the earliest and the red Cabbages 
arm border; also some more Radish and 
hem, 
IIl,—FLOWER-GARDEN AND SHRUBBERY. 
detect what are the gardener’s favourite plants; more, perhaps, 
at this than at any other period of the year. These are sure to 
be found occupying those shelves nearest the glass, or plunged 
tan-bed. Perchance some of them are removed 
belonging to the “profession,” is allowed to peep at this early 
period, or perhaps for the next three months. Potting and fresh 
labelling the plants, gentle syringing, tying and training pot~ 
plants and climbers, are the principal operations now. 
GrrEennovusE.—Few of the mixed plants here will require 
re watering will be needful, and more atten- 
tion to giving front ventilation when frost or cold cutting winds 
prevail. A gentle syringing early in the day, when the weather 
i i k or ten days, will greatly improve 
the appearance of the plants, and add to their health and vigour, 
CONSERVATORY. — 
Ipomeeas; and other strong-growing climber: 
ing early in the summer, pruned their plants last October and 
November; those, on the other hand, who want them late in the 
season, when families return to their country seats, will now 
begin to prune their conservatory climbers. “Of all ornamental 
plants, beautiful streaming festoons of free-flowering climbers 
excite the greatest interest. Nothing but a general outline on 
any part of gardening can be given in a Calendar; and for 
climbers it is sufficient to say that two plants of the same species 
should never be pruned at the same time, if you wanta long 
succession of bloom. 
‘S$ AND FramES.—Gardénias, Roses, and other plants for 
forcing, will be removed from hence to the forcing-house as the 
are wanted for succession, and their places may be filled up with 
return-plants from the conservatory, which have done flowering. 
The rest of the permanent inhabitants require only to be pro- 
tected from frost, cutting winds, and heavy rains, 
Out-door Department. 
As soon as the soil is in a fit state, the Rosary may have the 
spring-dressing, and as much rotten cow-dung as can be got for 
the purpose; where that is scarce, use liquid manures. As to 
above for climbers ; the later 
er, and vice versd. Walks an 
from this time. All the perennial tribes of herbaceous plants 
may now be divided and arranged for the season, according to 
the taste of the owner. siiiey 
NURSERY AND FOREST DEPARTMENT. 
Corrice AND Forxst.—I cannot do better this week than to 
refer all readers to Mr. Alexander’s paper on this subject in the 
last Chronicle. Last autumn I wrote out a receipt of all the 
abominable things that have been used to prevent hares and 
rabbits from nibbling the young plantations. It has, up to this 
time, kept them off. It consists of equal quantities of cow-dung, 
soot, and cloacine, mixed up with soapsuds to the consistence of 
thick paint ; and to 10 gallons of this mixture add half a gallon 
them.—D,. Beaton, Shrubland Park Gardons, 
.State of the Weather near London for the Week ending Feb. 23, 
1843, as observed at the Horticultural Garden, Chiswick. 
Average 9.344. 44.4 | 35.0 | 39.7 | 
Feb. 17. Severe frost; very fine, with bright sun; 
stormy at night. 
18. Stormy, with drifting snow. 
19. Thickly overcast; rain; stormy; heavy rainatnight. 
20. Rain; hazy and drizzly; foggy. 
21. Low fog; fine; foggy; rain. 
22. Slight rain; cloudy and mild. 
23, Cloudy; very fine; overcast. 
Mean temperature of the week 0.8° above the average, 
State of the Weather at Chiswick during the last 17 years, for 
she ensuing Weck ending Mar. 4, 1843, 
B 
snowing and 
whatever instruction may be gleaned from their they 
may depend on it no advance in respectability is made by such 
a course. 
I,—KITCHEN-GARDEN AND ORCHARD. 
In-door Department 
managemen ‘ 
If the long-rod system is pursued, the advancing shoots for the 
next crop require to be tied in from time to time, keeping their 
: No. of | g eto 
Feb.’ | Aver. | Aver. |nrean| Years in| Greatest | ——— 
Highest) Lowest |" * quantity |, Fi) sini] iss lee 
ee Temp. | Temp. |Z e™P| elie of Rain. we Ble ia Es 
AB 10 0.46 in. | 1) 2! a} a} af a] 6] 2 
41.5 10 0.40 | aj aij al al al— 
42.8 7 | 4} al—| ele} ala 
42.0] ¢ 8 =} 3; a]—| 4] 3} 5] 2 
444). 6 1 3 y | 6 rims 
43.) is 1} 2] 9] 1) 3} 4) aj 7 
EY 42.7 7 ila a] al a] 2 
Sate 4 | 60.5 | 849 _| 2'7 ___-__| well ota 
The highest temperature during the above period occurred on 
the 27th in 1828—thermometer 60°; and the lowest on the 28th 
in 1829, and 4th in 1840—thermometer 24°, 
———— 
REPORT ON COVENT-GARDEN MARKET, 
For the Week ending Feb. 24, 1843. 
Tnx late favourable change in the weather has somewhat in 
creased the supplies during the past week, and trade in som! 
respects israther more brisk, Fruit: Pines are of good quality, an’ 
