1843.] 
THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. 
ning and pruning demands a skilful and anxious 
master, and ought to be begun early: in this they differ 
from single trees in lawns, &c. &c. One common and 
great error has been to cut off branches to the height of 
14 feet froma a tree not above 20 or 30 feet high. When 
this is done the trees remain stationary, and are often 
stunted, to such a degree as to assume the appearance of 
old age. The leading shoot has always been encouraged, 
and all athers checked which have a tendency to compete 
with it, 80 as to divide the stem into forks; it being well 
Known that when the leading shoot is destroyed, the 
growth of the tree is greatly impaired. By increasing the 
number of leading shoots, the strength of the nutritious 
principle is in a great measure diminished. To confine to 
the production of one valuable stem the vegetative power 
which in a forked tree luxuriates unprofitably in a multi- 
plicity of branches, has been the main object of this gen- 
tleman’s system for nearly 40 years. In short, from three 
to five of the largest and strongest side-branches, which 
would have borne too great a proportion to the leading 
branch, have been removed, or foreshortened every year, 
thereby modifying the tree, and directing its energies gra- 
dually to the top, preserving at the same time a sufficient 
quantity of foliage. Trees thus managed will form close 
and healthy stems, without any exterior blemish, and be 
trained to any reasonable altitude, according to the soil, 
subsoil, and situation on which they grow; but if 
neglected,—such is the propensity of most descriptions of 
trees, or what may be termed ‘‘ round-headed trees” in open 
spaces,—they run into branches, without due attention the 
foliage of which will become too heavy for the roots, and 
thus check their loftiness; and thus the formation of 
useful timber will-not ensue, as may be observed in all 
parts of the country. The only rule to attend to is, to 
keep the top to taper, preserving the leading shoot clear 
and: free from clefts, the trunk free from all the large 
branches, leaving those only of the smaller kind that are 
necessary for the health and support of the trees, and 
clearing the tree from the bottom of all the branches as it 
advances in age. But the trunk must be cleared very 
slowly at first, when the trees are young. Only keep the 
branches that are left thereon small, by pruning, so as not 
to injure the tree when it becomes timber. No man can 
ever plant to profit who does not go through his planta- 
tions early and annually, with-an axe in his hand, and a 
cold, calculating heart. Nothing can be more unpleasant 
than to cut down a thriving tree ; but it must be done, or 
you will have no timber. Plantations should be thinned 
and pruned on a regular principle, which will prevent the 
trees choking each other. If they have been neglected 
for 10 or 12 years, the error should be-corrected without 
loss of time, and if taken early they will want but little 
trouble and expense. I think from experience we may 
fairly conclude that, providing proper caution is used in 
pruning, and that we do not: cut very large branches, it is 
not of material consequence what season is chosen for the 
operation, for those smaller wounds caused by prudent 
and gradual pruning, will heal in a reasonable time, and 
without any damage whatever, at any season of the year. 
P.S.—It has been suggested by a highly-respectable 
Scotch gentleman residing near Cupar Angus, that much 
benefit would result from the encouragement by planters 
of some experienced and well-qualified pruners and 
trainers, who should go from estate to estate, to show to 
young pruners and trainers of young woods a proper 
system of management in thinning and pruning, extending 
their pretensions no further. He is certain, and I agree 
with him, this would answer, could gentlemen be prevailed 
upon to shake off old prejudices and fancies. An inti- 
mate knowledge of the habits of growth of the different 
species of forest-trees, and of the influence of soil and 
local climate on their periodical increase of timber, is 
absolutely required in the business of valuing plantations 
prospectively. There can be no doubt of the great advan- 
tages arising to the country and to individuals from a con- 
tinuation of the system of planting which has already done 
so much good for Scotland. The amelioration of the 
climate, the improvement of the soil and pasture, the con- 
venience to the poorer population, the profit to the richer, 
the independence and defence of the country ; every con- 
sideration, in short, only impresses more deeply on every 
thinking person the conviction that the landholder acts at 
Once a prudent and a patriotic part, when he covers his 
barren acres with wood. It is one of the few modes by 
which he can add anything to his income, beyond his 
mere rent-roll, When an old hedge is planted the labourer 
should be allowed one penny for every young tree he saves, 
by which means the estate will soon be covered with fine 
growing timber, at a very trifling expense. 
Admeasurement of Trees planted at Nerquis, in Flintshire, and 
Llanarmon, in Denbighshire, in 1817, and the following years, 
aby: Thomas Roberts, and taken in July, 1843. 
Girth Girth Girth 
at Bottom. | at 7 fect high, Jat the branch. 
ft. ins. ft, ins. feet. 
Silver Fir. . ee, 1 8 16 
Ors see fies oo WOE, nae g 18 
Balm of Gilead 2 7 Dad, 17 
DO ee va ae det 2 10 17 
Spruce. . £ Pot) 2 6 12 
Do, . . 3 6 2 4 15 
Larch. 4 6 oen 20 
ae ane cto) 8 0 20 
Sycamore . 2 9 2 24 12 
Do. cng 2 10 2 2 18 
ines te 70 tet) 17 
MO ms. 2 63 1 6h 15 
as ae, 6 viay Wg 18 
Ory rs a) Te 20 
Oak , és * 2°10 Daf 18 
DO raid ooh 2 10 1 10 18 
Do. . 8 0 1 10 20 
Spanish Chesnut, aft. 6 in. one foot from the ground. 
oH, W. Humphreys, Vicar’s Cross Nursery. 
Clover Pests ; Clover-Rape, &c.—For the last seven or 
eight years I have noticed the increase of the Orobanche 
minor in the Clover-fields in this neighbourhood, but never 
so much as in this summer. In the latter part of the 
month of July, in passing through Suffolk, I noticed it in 
almost every field which had been cut for hay, but more 
particularly on gravelly soils, and in many instances the 
Clover plants were much injured, so as materially to affect 
the second crop. If the attention of the farmers be 
directed to this destructive weed, I believe it might be 
readily extirpated, as it is a very conspicuous plant, show- 
ing itself above the Clover; and in all cases where the 
Clover is left for seed this should be carefully attended to. 
The Orobanclfe does not show itself again in the same 
field till itis again sown with Clover. I can fully cor- 
roborate Professor Henslow’s remarks upon the ‘‘ Cuscuta 
trifolii.” It is a most destructive parasite ; but I have 
not noticed it till this year: it is now committing great 
ravages in some fields directly under my notice, being now 
in full blow and vigour ; it destroys everything it comes 
in contact with. I intend carefully to notice its habits, 
and shall on future occasions give you the result. I think 
it could be readily destroyed, as it shows itself in distinct 
patches, at present only in the Clover,—Henry Dizon, 
itham. 
Transplanting. —“‘ Ortolano’’ appears to be surprised 
at the circumstances connected with the removal of his 
standard Rose and Pear-trees; but I do not see how it 
could have been expected that a Pear-tree, (which is one of 
the worst trees to remove, as it is frequently badly rooted,) 
transplanted in the very worst month in the year, June, 
when the fruit is just forming and the tree making its 
growth, should succeed. All gardeners know that to re- 
move it then would be certain death. ‘ Ortolano” does 
not mention the size of the tree, but from the fact of four- 
teen sorts being grafted on it, “and each shoot producing 
fruit true to its kind, year after year,’ I conclude that it 
was of no small size. In removing a Rose-tree in June, 
I have frequently succeeded ; but there is a wide difference 
between a Rose and a Pear-tree. By frequent watering 
and constant attention, you may save a Rose-tree ; but 1 
think it impossible to save a Pear-tree of considerable 
size at such a season.— Timothy, 
Wasps.—lI find that these insects are very numerous and 
troublesome both in my house and garden, near Taunton, 
and a gentleman, not a mile distant, informed me last week, 
that 14 nests had been destroyed within a hundred yards 
of his house; and another friend states that they were so 
numerous in the fields as to have been a hinderance in 
ploughing, as well as having made a nest in the thatch of 
his farm-house.—C. 4d. Roeford.——lIn the vicinity of 
Bristol, although not so numerous as last year, still they 
annoy us very much, attacking the fruit, and spoiling it 
before it is near 1ipe. The working Wasps did not make 
their appearance till the middle of August, but there were 
a great many Queens in the spring. — Hesperus. 
Potter’s Guano.—A neighbour of mine tells me that he 
received some of this manure a few months ago, and when 
he had shaken out of the sacks as much as he could, he 
washed them, and the water produced a yery striking 
effect upon his grass land.—* South Wales. 
Vines.—In Jooking over the Chronicle lately, I was 
glad to find one of your correspondents, (page 573,) 
speaking of a leading article that appeared a few weeks 
since in your Paper, on Vines growing all summer without 
stopping. He says you startled many Grape-growers in 
the country. I must acknowledge that I was one of these, 
and think, with him, that it is altogether wrong. ‘A 
Subscriber ’’ has chosen the highest authority—One that 
‘new all things and spoke as never man spake.’’ J do, 
in some measure,'understand Him when speaking of Him- 
self as a Vine, and believers as branches. I have seen 
many of these that have brought forth fruit purged, that 
they might bring forth more fruit. Some, like himself, 
have suffered poyerty,—others He has suffered a wicked 
world to persecute,—and many have had to pass through 
deep affliction; but when He has tried them He has 
brought them forth as gold. I have been endeavouring 
for some years to understand it on the Grape-vine, but 
I must confess that I have not yet found out the secret. 
“A Subscriber” quotes the xvth chapter of John and 2nd 
verse :—‘' Every branch in me that beareth not fruit He 
taketh away, and every branch that beareth fruit He 
purgeth, that it may bring forth more fruit.’ And then 
he says—“this is my system,’’ without telling us what 
that system is. Are we to understand that those that 
follow the Spur-system are to take all the branches away, 
in the spring, that do not show fruit? I am afraid we 
should have very irregular crops of Grapes, and very un- 
sightly Vines. Whatever system of pruning and train- 
ing is adopted, what all are striving for seems to be—a 
regular crop of fruit from the top to the bottom of the 
rafters. ‘‘A Subscriber ’’ cannot mean the Long-rod 
system, because he says he purges or stops all fruit-bearing 
branches, that they may bear more fruit, Now, every 
one that has practised the Long-rod system knows that 
those branches that have borne much fruit this summer 
will be cut out in the winter’s pruning and cast into the 
fire, and their places taken up with branches that have 
brought forth little or no fruit. This cannot be his 
system. I shall be glad if “A Subscriber” will be so 
Kind as to make known through your columns his way of 
obtaining good crops and fine fruit—4 Subscriber from 
the Beginning. 
Melons.—It is said that pigeon’s dung is the best 
manure for Melons; and that the Persian fruit thence 
derives its superiority. am not aware that this manure 
has had fair, if any, trial in England, In Persia, some 
nobles and wealthy individuals are said to keep ten, 
fifteen, twenty thousand pigeons, chiefly for their Melon 
beds, Not having been in Persia, the writer of this note 
645 
cannot Speak from actual knowledge; but what is here 
stated is given on very good authority.—E. M. [We 
understand this to be the fact. It is said that small 
towers, with a door at the bottom by which the pigeon’s 
dung can be cleaned out, are built in the Melon-fields of 
Persia. No doubt Guano would have the sameeffect. But 
those Melon-grounds are said to be regularly irrigated.] 
Amaryllis Josephine.—Some of your readers may feel 
interested in a short notice of a specimen blown this 
summer by Edward Rogers, Esq., of Stanage Park, 
near Ludlow, The stem is 23 inches in height, by 
two inches in width; flattened, but thickest down the 
middle, and slightly twisted. From the head of this 
spring twenty-nine stalks, about 11 inches in length, 
of which the lower ones are horizontal. Each umbel 
bears a flower, 4 inches long, from the base of the germen 
to the extremity of a petal; pale orange-coloured in the 
tube, dull red at the mouth, but appearing rich and 
brilliant in a transparent light. The six stamens are of 
unequal length: the filaments and pointal carmine- 
coloured, and the pointal is about a 4 of an inch longer 
than the petals. The germen is triangular and 4 of an 
inch in length. The plant is leafless: it is now in fall 
flower, but its beauty is beginning to decline. The soil 
used is composed of one half loam,—nearly one half 
vegetable mould—with a little sandy bog-earth. The 
bulb has been blown in a common pinery.—J. Smith. 
Grape Wine.—I gathered my Grapes one fine day, 
threw a bunch into a tub, and pressed out the juice with 
(rather an uncommon press) an old but well-cleaned 
ericket-bat. Each bunch was thus pressed as it was 
thrown into the tub, and the produce was about four 
gallons of juice. To this was added about fourteen pounds 
of loaf sugar and about four gallons of pure pond water. 
I allowed the stalks and seeds fo remain during the fer- 
mentation (which was very steady for some days); then I 
strained off the Wine, and allowed it to remain exposed 
to the air for another day; and finally I put it into an 
eight-gallon cask, which I did not bung down for three 
weeks or a month afterwards, when all fermentation had 
entirely ceased. The wine was bottled off in about ten or 
eleven months, and has been mistaken by experienced 
travellers for Moselle. Encouraged by my success, I 
have since made two more quantities, but I have in*both 
instances put the wine into the cask without waiting for 
the fermentation: and I put into it a larger quantity of 
sugar; the consequence is my wine now is like ‘* Chame 
pagne non mousseuz.” I may add that the strength of the 
wine is very considerable; it burns like brandy, particu- 
larly that made last year, in which the proportion of juice 
to water was as three to one. All wine-makers that J 
have consulted have some nostrum or other to improve 
the flavour, and almost all have the notion that brandy is 
indispensable, but I have not used anything of the kind. 
The Grapes L.used were chiefly edrly white varieties, bat 
also used Black Hamburghs, which were very far from 
being ripe. The time was October.—An Original Sub- 
scriber. 
Peas.—I sowed a pint of the Prince Albert Pea early 
in the spring, and at first felt disappointed at their slow 
progress. However, they realised my expectations at 
last by coming in a week earlier than the Early Frame, 
which were sown six weeks earlier, As soon as the first 
crop of Prince Albert’s had ripened seed, I again sowed 
a few short rows under a wall exposed to the sun. 
On the 6th day after they were sown they were gene. 
rally above ground, on the 2Ist showed blossom, and 
on the 28th day from sowing they were in full flower. 
They are, however, very dwarf, and the pods are not large; 
nevertheless, I think it is a remarkable instance of rapid 
growth and perfection in the plant in question.—dn 
Original Subscriber. 
Double Stocks —In looking over your ‘‘ Notices to 
Correspondents,”’ in last Number, p. 633, what you say to 
“Timothy” about his double flowers attracted my notice. 
You observe that double flowers cannot be fertilised with- 
out the assistance of single ones, if they are really double. 
You will pardon my saying that some (I do not say ll) 
double flowers cannot be fertilised at all, of which the 
Stock, the plant specified is one. I well remember its 
being a common notion that double and single Stocks 
should grow in close contact, (I have often seen them tied 
together, heads intermixed,) with the view of the double 
impregnating the single, that the progeny from the seed 
might be double ; this was the result of mere ignorance, 
for if you take a solitary flower from a double Stock and 
examine it, you will find it possesses no organs of fertiliza- 
tion whatever; but is a mere mass cf petals without 
either stamens or pistil; consequently, impregnation 
either way isanatural impossibility. Some double flowers, 
however, bear seed, of which Delphinium Barlowii is one 
instance; and I have known the double-flowering Peach 
bear fruit, which was spoken of as a ‘‘ great marvel” at 
the time. Iwas then young, and never thought of exa- 
mining the blossoms. Again, you observe, “ Nor will 
single flowers produce double-flowered seedlings, unless 
in the presence of flowers partially double.” This also 
I think a mistake, and for the following reason: Some 
years ago I was very anxious to get double Stocks, and 
selected and marked flowers with 5, 6, 7, and 8 petals, 
making sure of success, and yet utterly failed. Whence 
then, you will say, are we to get double-flowering Stocks ? 
for as ‘‘ Timothy” describes his friend’s Stocks being 
without male or female organs, they certainly are ‘* abso- 
lutely sterile.’ Double Stocks, then, are mere monsters, 
the effect of culture ; and if you will promise not to tell 
all the world I will.endeavour to instruct you how 
to produce them: that, however, I shall reserve for an 
other day.—Querews. [Of course when flowers uie 
wholly double they cannot be fertilised; but, as our cor- 
respondent observes, some which are not entirely mis< 
