HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. . 223 



inclined to be wet, and here again we perceive the necessity of underground 

 drains, in order to remove surplus water. It is an exceedingly erroneous 

 idea that drains are worse than useless in localities where long droughts are 

 of frequent occurrence. The truth is that draining enhances humidity du- 

 ring hot weather, since it enables the soil to exercise its absorbing properties 

 to the fullest extent, there being more air in the soil water is retained in its 

 pores, constituting a reservoir holding a lasting supply when other sources 

 fail. 



Renovating Old Trees. — Most satisfactory results have been obtained 

 from old and apparently worn out trees by changing the soil about their" 

 roots, or applying a top dressing of wood ashes, guano, salt and plaster in 

 equal quantities, allowing about one bushel of the mixture to each tree. If 

 nothing better is convenient, a heavy dressing of well made barn manure 

 forked in about the roots will have a decided effect. The absorbing points 

 of the roots extend a considerable distance from the trunk, therefore,: the 

 principal part of the top dressing should embrace a circumference at least 

 equal to that of the branches. It might be considered unnecessary to meri- 

 tion this very apparent fact, were it not usual to observe manure applied to 

 the stem instead of the roots. 



Grapes under glass will now be approaching maturity. Dryness both 

 in soil and atmosphere favors this process, still they must not be allowed to 

 suffer for want of moisture should the weather prove dry. The young 

 growth may be stopped more rigidly as the ripening process proceeds. Thi& 

 will concentrate the sap and strengthen the buds for a future crop, if pinch- 

 ed back too severely these buds may start into growth, which 1 must be 

 guarded against. 



Out-door grapes will require attention in thinning out lateral shoots' 

 and stopping others especially those on bearing shoots. Thinning out the 

 berries is seldom practised on these, nor, indeed is it always necessary. Oc- 

 casionally, however, the berries are so thickly placed that room is not af- 

 forded them to swell out and ripen properly. By thinning out a few of the 

 most central and smallest berries, the fruit will ripen earlier and be much 

 improved both in size and flavor. S. B. 



AUGUST. 



Flower Garden and Pleasure Ground. 

 This is the month many prefer to plant their evergreens, and it is per- 

 haps as good a time as any. Take advantage of a "wet spell" for the ope- 

 ration. Be particularly careful that as many roots as possible are preserv- 

 ed. If this can be well attended to, trees of any size can be moved sue- 



