1844.] 



THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 



503 





the practical bearing which they appear to have on the 

 subject of morning and evening watering of plants ; and 

 I imagine that it is consistent with a just view of the 

 subject to affirm, that in regard to out-of-door plants 

 morning watering alone should be resorted to during the 

 spring months, even to the end of May in our uncertain 

 climate- We cannot prevent the refrigerating process 

 which more or less is going on at the surface of the 

 earth in the cold clear nights of spring ; but we may, 

 at least, avoid artificially assisting it by putting the 

 earth just in the most favourable condition for producing 

 cold. It »s so placed, when the surface is newly watered, 

 because evaporation, and consequently congelation, is 

 most active when it is in that state. I may illustrate 

 the comparative influence of morning and evening water- 

 ing, in relation to this subject, by what takes place when 

 several folds of wetted cloth are applied to a vessel to 

 cool the contents. As long as the outer cloth is wet, 

 the evaporation goes on unobstructed and the tempera- 

 ture of the vessel is proportionably reduced ; but as soon 

 as the external covering loses its moisture, the process 

 languishes, though the inner folds are still wet. So in 

 morning watering, the surface moisture is evaporated in 

 the genial temperature of daylight, without injury to the 

 plants, and when night comes on, the surface is compara- 

 tively dry, and evaporation cannot go on so actively, 

 however clear the atmosphere. In evening watering, on 

 the other hand, we prepare the ground for an energetic 

 evaporation going on during the* night; consequently 

 chilling the enrth and plants growing in it, at a time 

 when the low temperature of the air is more than suffi- 

 ciently adverse to the well-being; of the latter. — J.H.H. 

 To keep Shrubs from Windtvaving. — Among the 

 different methods that have been used to prevent injury 

 to transplanted shrubs, arising from their being shaken 

 by the wind, the simple plan of pegging down their 

 lower branches seems to be the cheapest and best. The 

 forked pegs used for this purpose should be made with 

 one side about half the length of the side from the prin- 

 cipal branch, and a head six or seven inches in length 

 should be left for the prevention of splitting, on being 

 driven into the ground. In hard ground the holes, 

 especially for large plants, should be opened with an iron 

 bar, to save labour in driving, and wa^e of forks. The 

 elasticity of the branches when well secured, preserves 

 the removed plant remarkably steady during the action 

 of heavy gales of wind, afid if the ball of earth is of 

 moderate size, and of the usual proportion to the size of 

 the shrub, it is singular how small a twig is sufficient to 

 support it in bad weather. The branches may be cut, 

 and the pegs removed from shrubs near walks, towards 

 the end of the ensuing summer ; in other cases they may 

 be left to die, or grow and form layers for masses of 

 shrubs, according as light and air are admitted or ex- 

 cluded. Ropes give and take in dry and wet u eather to 

 such a degree as to be useless as stays. And even the 

 fastenings of pole stays are almost sure to become loose 

 enough in dry weather to allow the bark to be 

 chafed. Stays of all kinds ought to be applied when- 

 ever practicable to the branches, rather than the main 

 stem ; and each stay should have a separate fastening. 

 Comparatively little injury is done even if the ba«k of 

 branches is compressed too much, or rubbed, and in 

 many cases branches by such means may be weakened 

 to the improvement of the plant. Under circumstance* 

 where expense is a secondary object in the removal of 

 valuable trees or shrubs, or it is of consequence to 

 secure common trees, iron-wire stays of T \j to Jj of an 

 inch in diameter, with a stuffed clip round branches 

 secured co pegs, or to posts, if cattle were admitted 

 round the trees, would form a secure fastening capable 

 of lasting a considerable period, and of being used for 

 different trees iti succession, in wh'ch case its cost would 

 be much less than rope. In reference to ihe success of 

 transplanting shrubs or trees at different periods of the 

 year, if parties took more notice of all the circumstances 

 attendant on their removal, perhaps several points of 

 greater importance might be observed, for instance : — 

 1. Removal from a greater to a less exposure, for the 

 sake of obtaining a free growth of leaves, which are of 

 greater importance even than roots. 2. Removal from 

 wors ! to a better ground, either natural or artificial. 3. 

 Removal to land which can be readily penetrated by the 

 young roots of plants ; the easiest means of obtaining 

 this essential quality is by mixing loose stones of any 

 kind with the soil; when the tree or shrub gains strength 

 it will usually take care of itself. 4. The removal of 

 trees or shrubs in a healihy but not luxuriant state of 

 growth ; cutting round the shrubs some time previous 

 will soon cure the latter defect, and insure subsequent 

 success. It is most valuable in all cases, but occasionally 

 it will be advisable to encourage the growth of fresh 

 roots by good or rich earth added to the trench. Con- 



* 



yenience causes these important points in numerous 

 instances to be disregarded, but a due attention to their 

 relative value would enable a planter of moderate expe- 

 rience to predict the comparative success or failure of 

 removals, supposing in each case that the trees or 

 shrubs were equally well plauted, in their new 

 potion. — E. 



Transplanting Forest Trees. — \ observed in the 

 Chronicle of March ?>Q, a statement from a correspondent 

 signing himself « E.,' - regarding the transplanting of 

 large forest-trees, and expressing a wish for information 

 respecting the preparation of them •« before transplant- 

 ing. As far as my experience goes, I would be inclined 

 to give preference to trees prepared in July. The selec- 

 tion of the tree, however, for its situation, is of more 

 importance to its future success than preparation. For 

 instance, take a plantation that has stood tor years 



\ 



pretty thick, cut out the greater part of the trees, leaving 

 at distances of GO or 70 yards two or three trees together ; 

 those trees,, on being suddenly exposed, although not 

 moved or touched at the roots, will become as stunted 

 and ill-thriven as if they had been taken from the same 

 situation and transplanted in any other, similar to the 

 one referred to before the wood was thinned. This I 

 know from experiment. *' E." has given a statement 

 of the expense of removing his trees, but has omitted to 

 say how far he did remove them ; consequently he has 

 left us in the dark. I cannot agree in his tearing up the 

 tree after clearing its roots of soil on the surface, for this 

 among other reasons, that if the tree happened to have 

 (as a good many of them have) a strong tap-root, before 

 this is removed the force of tearing up the tree will 

 necessarily shake away all the earth from the other roots, 

 because of the resistance the tap-root offers to any force 

 in any way applied to turn the tree over. — Clouden. 



Dwarfed Fig-tree — I have in my possession what I 

 believe to be a unique curiosity in this country — a Ban- 

 yan-tree, dwarfed in China, and known to be 200 years 

 old ! It was sent to me by a friend in India, and was 

 traced back from one possessor to another in that country 

 for the time above mentioned, having always been re- 

 garded as a great curiosity. It arrived, unfortunately, 

 during a severe frost, two years ago, which affected it on 

 its journey from London (having been exposed for one 

 night to the open air), and one of its principal branches 

 was frost-bitten to such a degree, as to make it neces- 

 saiy, in order to save the life of the tree, to have the 

 branch cut down. The other remains perfect. I am 

 aware that there are dwarfed Bannian-trees in other col- 

 lections in the kingdom, but none, I am given to under- 

 stand, of so small a size, and of so great an age. I am 

 credibly informed that the Chinese have lost the art of 

 dwarfing forest-trees in this peculiar manner. It has 

 not been removed from the China vessel in which it 

 came from India. Its height is only 2 feet, circum- 

 ference of one stem 7 inches, of the other 11 inches. It 

 is now in vigorous health, is kept in the hothouse in the 

 winter, and put into the sun during the summer months, 

 removing it at night. It requires very little water. It 

 is a tree of great beauty, and its form is a perfect study 

 for the artist. — E. C. [This is not a Banyan, but a 

 curious specimen of Ficus nitida.l 



Pine-Apples. — In reply to " A. B. C," in a late num- 

 ber, I beg to mention that, in different places which I 

 have lately visited, I have observed that the tank-system 

 is not well adapted for the growth of the Pine apple in 

 all its stages ; it is better suited for the forcing of Melons, 

 Cucumbers, Asparagus, &c. He states that his house is 

 in three compartments, that the first is composed of 

 wooden stages, and that the pots are suspended by their 

 rims in the same ; I imagine this would be the best com- 

 partment of the three for fruiting the plants in, more 

 especially about the time he wanted them to fruit. By 

 withdrawing the water from the dishes, having a gentle 

 heat given out by the pipes alone, and at the same time 

 giving little or none to the root, for a few weeks (the 

 plants being strong, and the pots full of roots), would 

 throw them into fruit. I am of opinion that the tank- 

 system disappoints the generality of Pine-growers ; many 

 admit that by that system they can produce noble-looking 

 plants, with fine foliage and healthy action, but this is 

 at the expense of the fruit. I do not agree with a state- 

 ment in Macintosh's " Practical Gardener,'* which says, 

 " that Pines starting into fruit in August are tantamount 

 to being lost;" as, in large establishments, gardeners 

 are obliged to have a succession fjr the most part of the 

 vear ; and of Pines — say a variety of Queens, Black 

 Jamaica, and Montserrats, if strong, healthy plants — 

 showing fruit in August, the Queens would ripen good 

 fruit by the end of October, and the Jamaicas and Mont- 

 serrats would come in in succession up to Christmas, and 

 even much later; the two last are well known to be the 

 best, both in point of swelling and flavour, for winter 

 fruit. I would recommend M A. B. C." to put his strongest 

 plants in that compartment having the stages, and, if 

 practicable, to withdraw the water from the dishes, and 

 likewise to discontinue watering at the root. The fol- 

 lowing plan I have often practised with success upon 

 strong plants of shy bearing kinds, such as the Black 

 Jamaica is allowed to be, viz. — with a pair of scissors 

 cut off the tips of the leaves in the hearts of the plants, 

 and continue to do so to others as they spring. This 

 stops their over-luxuriant growth, and the change from 

 excess of moisture to partial dryness, disposes them 

 to fruit, when water might again be added if thought 

 necessary. At all events, I should not discontinue 

 moistening the pipes and pathways after every bright 

 day, and the house should be shut up early in the alter- 

 noon. — James Roberts. 



Pine- Apples. —Those who have the good fortune to 

 reside near good peaty soil, need not be afraid of using 

 it wholly in which to grow Pines. The plants that I 

 fruited in all peat, swelled better during the winter 

 months, and produced finer fruit than those planted in 

 either rich soil or turfy loam. For plants that are to 

 fruit in winter, peat is excellent, on account of its loose 

 texture. Pines planted in a mixture of half charcoal and 

 loam, have fruited very well. All sand gives no one cause 

 of complaint ; on the contrary, it should rather be re- 

 commended, for the roots become very strong in it, and 

 the rootlets are much more numerous ; indeed, I never 

 saw roots so strong and numerous in any other substance. 

 It is not of much importance what kind of material Pines 

 are grown in, provided the roots are in a healthy active 

 state, and free from sudden changes of bottom -heat. 

 The soil in the pot should also be kept from becoming 

 soured by allowing decaying bark to adhere to the out- 



aide of the pot. Keep out worms bv placing: the pot, 

 when plunged, on a fiat brick. — W. Brown, Merevale. 



Opposite Opinions, Rooks, fyc. — The various, and in 

 some instances contradictory statements, of your corres- 

 pondents, must, in many minds, create a tendency to 

 scepticism ; than is to say, where parties do not make 

 practical observations and judge for themselves. One 

 states that salt has produced him magnificent Asparagus 

 — another says that salt has destroved his plants. One 

 advises carcases as a manure for Vine borders — another 

 says that has nearly destroved his Vines. One says that 

 for 30 years he has not suffered from Turnip fly, owing 

 to his steeping his seed in oil, and powdering it with 

 sulphur — another says he has tried it, and still the ver- 

 min have marched in military array over his field, 

 perforating aod consuming his crop. One says perse- 

 cute the rook and other birds — another, encourage them 

 as your best friends. As great a contrast frequently 

 arises as to the quality of fruits — one stating a particular 

 variety to be excellent — another will not admit it to be 

 second rate. How are we to reconcile such statements, 

 admitting, as we must, in respect of parties with whom 

 we are unacquainted, that each is entitled to equal credit ? 

 In many instances, no doubt, the old aphorism may be 

 applied — "Circumstances alter cases," as with regard 

 to salt and carrion manure; a skilful gardener, knowing 

 the time, and watching the result of his experiment, fol- 

 lows up a perceptible improvement, aod counteracts the 

 first appearance of a retrograde movement before the dis- 

 aster becomes irremediable. In similar cases, the rash 

 or inexperienced fail. With regard to the Turnip fly 

 also, there may be some peculiarity of tillage. I have 

 heard of a whole field failing except where a roller had 

 casually been drawn — in some seasons, that the plants 

 are more liable to attack when the ground is rolled. As 

 to fruit, there can be not the least doubt that soil and 

 aspect, or climate, will produce a much greater differ- 

 ence than exists between the first and second class. But 

 with regard to the rook and birds generally, I think 

 there ought to be but one opinion, namely, that 

 their usefulness very greatly exceeds any injury com- 

 mitted by them, either to the farm or garden. An 

 instance is recorded upwards of a century ago, I 

 believe by Bradley, of the inhabitants of a certain vil- 

 lage destroying the whole race of birds in their locality, 

 by getting a price upon their heads ; the consequence 

 of which was, that their entire produce was attacked by 

 insects and caterpillars innumerable the following year, 

 and they were glad to offer a similar or greater reward to 

 have fresh colonies brought in to their assistance. Dr. 

 Stanley also relates that a whole district in Germany was 

 nearly deprived of its corn harvest by having destroyed 

 their rooks. I have myself seen a field of Swedish Tur- 

 nips so infested by grubs, that from three to ten were 

 found under nearly every root that was examined, the 

 Turnips having the appearance of warty excrescences 

 and quite hollow within. An immense flock of rooks, 

 accompanied by a flock of starlings, covering more than 

 an acre, alighted upon them, and so busy were they that 

 they would allow a person to go within a few yards of 

 them without flying up. They remained there a whole 

 afternoon, and on examining the Turnips afterwards, I 

 found scarcely one that had not been cleared of the 

 grubs. That piece of ground has been much more pro- 

 ductive from that time ; and I think at least some share 

 of the improvement is due to the rooks, though certainly 

 not all. As to sparrows and other small birds, particu- 

 larly wagtails, a careful observer may see them in breed- 

 ing time following the plough or scarifier, dart their 

 beaks into crevices and pick out the wire-worms inces- 

 santly, then carry them to a smooth piece of earth, lay 

 them in a bundle, and then clasp them firmly in their 

 beak and carry them off to their young. Now suppose 

 the rook in searching for grubs pulls up the plant with 

 it, would not the vermin have ruined it in all proba- 

 bility if he had not? And allowing that he pulls up 

 some Potatoes on the moor lands, a little expense of 

 watching obviates that calamity. Also allowing that 

 sparrows will do considerable damage to the Wheat crop 

 from the time the grain is formed until harvested — a 

 period of six weeks or two months — wasting as much as 

 they eat, yet a few old men, for a few shillings per week, 

 may check their depredations over an extensive farm. 

 But by what process, involving fifty times this outlay, 

 could man himself perform the service rendered him by 

 these active labourers, who never want calling to their 

 emplovment — are never idle when there is any prospect 

 of their working to advantage — who never call upon their 

 protector on a Saturday night. Prejudices often take 

 deep root, and are handed down from ancient to modern 

 times; sparrow clubs are still in existence-, and I was 

 informed a few days ago of a person sending 3000 heads 

 to a member of one club, and having to send 3000 more 

 to be exhibited as the genuine trophies of that individual. 

 He also may consider he is doing man a service ; but un- 

 less I receive further evidence to the contrary, I must 

 continue in the opinion that birds are eminently service- 

 able to man during at least ten months out o( the twelve; 

 that there is no known substitute for their services; and 

 that any injury which they might effect during the rest 

 of the year may be easily and cheaply prevented.—/*. «/• 

 Graham, Cranford. [What a pity it is that people 

 should not have sense enough to attend to these true 



and excellent suggestions !] .. „ m 



Moss on, Gravel Walks.-l sometimes destroy Moss 

 on walks in a very simple manner. It is commonly when 

 the surface of the walk is smooth and moist that Moss 

 abounds ; winter is the time best suited for destroying it. 

 By watching a certain degree of frost it will be observed 



that the surface of the walk, by the expansion of the itt, 



