HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 119 



shoot is encouraged until it reaches the desired length, the bearing shoots 

 proceeding at intervals in its length, these shoots being annuall}'' pruned down 

 to one eve or bud from "which the shoot bearing the future crop proceeds. — 

 During growth the points of these shoots are pinched out at one or two 

 leaves beyond the fruit, and all future efforts at growth are watchfully re- 

 moved. This is done in order to concentrate the sap and fill up the lower 

 eyes, with a view also of benefitting the present crops ; for the same reason 

 the leading shoot is likewise prevented from extending. The whole system 

 involves a continual suppression of growth, and as a natural consequence the 

 roots are also checked, they cease to extend, become more woody at the ex- 

 tremities and lose their power of absorption, A young plant strongly esta- 

 blished in a well prepared border, will continue in health and productiveness 

 for several years under this treatment, but they are gradually weakened and 

 fail to burst into growth with that vigor which they did in their early days. 

 We think this statement will be endorsed by all experienced grape growers 

 who have practised the system. This subject will be continued next month. 



Strawberries. — In preparing ground for a plantation, deep working and 

 manuring is the first consideration ; no plant repays extra care more cer- 

 tainly than the Strawberry, and perhaps there is none less satisfactory under 

 poor treatment. It has proved that the finest Pine Strawberries of Europe 

 can be raised in equal perfection in this climate, if properly cultivated. — 

 Deep rich soil, and mulching in dry weather is all that is required. Notwith- 

 standing that much has been said about their sexual character, many good 

 cultivators pay no attention to the matter. The young plants will strike 

 root readily at this season, and if the soil is stirred frequently and mulched 

 when dry weather comes on, they will establish themselves well, and produce 

 a heavy crop the following season. 



Pears. — Those grafted on the quince require a deep, rich soil to attain 

 their greatest perfection. There is no more pleasing occupation for the ama- 

 teur in fruits than attending to a collection of dwarf Pear trees. Having in 

 his eye the symmetrical proportions of a pyramidal-formed tree clothed with 

 foliage from the ground upwards, he will now be bending down strong shoots 

 and elevating weak ones, to equalize their conditions; and as growth advances 

 those shoots likely to take a lead and disarrange the equality of growth, 

 will have their extremities pinched out. At present, appearances indicate 

 a profusion of blossoms, the flower buds being more than usually prominent, 

 occasioned, no doubt, by the protracted, although not severe winter just 

 passed. 



S. B. 



