312 Memoirs of the Caledonian Horticultural Society. 



" In the course of the summer, the borders are frequently 

 watered over the dung. This is generally done pretty freely, 

 and, in very dry seasons, large quantities are applied. From 

 what I have already said, this will, perhaps, be thought super- 

 fluous, as it may seem that the water will not subside far into 

 the soil. But this is not the case ; for the soil below the dung 

 is soft, and comparatively damp, and therefore does not resist 

 the fluid. But, even upon the supposition that the water does 

 not sink far into the ground, the practice must be beneficial, 

 since, by this means, the evaporation is confined, in a great 

 measure, to the surface of the dung ; whereas, were the dung 

 to become dry, it must arise from the soil below. 



" My belief of the utility of mulching and watering, does not 

 rest on theoretical considerations merely : it has been amply 

 confirmed by the experience of the last season (1826). In 

 many gardens, apricots were very diminutive: here we had 

 an uncommonly abundant crop; and, notwithstanding the 

 drought, the single fruit were, perhaps, one third larger than 

 those for which I obtained the Society's medal in 1825. I 

 found the same treatment equally beneficial when applied to 

 the finer pears, such as the BrownBeurree, Gansel's Bergamotte, 

 Crassane, &c. 



" I am fully satisfied that the tnildew on peach trees may be 

 prevented, or in a great measure kept under, by seasonable 

 and copious waterings, in the months of July and August. It 

 is stated by Mr. Harrison, that this disease is induced by the 

 roots being in a dry condition, and the juices consequently 

 stagnant, while the air is charged with moisture. My own 

 experience completely coincides with that of this ingenious 

 horticulturist. I have no doubt that, whatever be the original 

 cause of mildew, that its ravages are greatly accelerated by 

 the circumstances mentioned. I do not mean to be under- 

 stood to say that waterings, however copious, will remove the 

 disease when fairly established, but unquestionably they are an 

 excellent preventive. The best method of applying water to 

 the roots of peach as well as other fruit trees, is over dung, 

 since the mulching prevents the water from battering the soil, 

 and running off during the operation. 



" The practice of mulching and watering may appear ex- 

 pensive and laborious, but it is amply compensated by the 

 improvement of the fruit. Watering is doubtless laborious in 

 those gardens which are not properly furnished with water- 

 pipes. Being fortunate at Hopetoun House garden in this 

 respect, I find it an easy matter ; indeed, a single boy frequently 

 performs the operation. As the water js poured upon the 



