HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 279 



CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS. 



FRUIT. 



Strawjerrries.—^Vl^ntiitions miy now be put down; see that the sail is 

 thoroughly prepared, and select young plants from healthy vines that are in 

 a good bearing condition. Old worn out plantations afford weak runners, 

 and should never be employed if plants from robust beds are by any means 

 attainable. Another point to be observed, is to plant a due proportion of 

 staminate along with the more productive pistillate varieties. In a previous 

 allusion to this fruit, the remark was made that, " notwithstanding all that 

 has been written on the subject, many good cultivators pay no attention to 

 their sexual character." From the above remarks we have been accused of 

 endorsing the statements of those who maintain that there is no distinction 

 in their inflorescence, we merely stated a fact, well known among strawberry 

 growers; if all were agreed, on the subject we might look for a settlement of 

 the strawberry question. After planting spread a mulching of rotted ma- 

 nure between the rows* This in the meantime will arrest evaporation and 

 shelter them when frost occurs. Tan bark is also gOQd for this purpose ; 

 we lately saw a statement to the effect that tan bark used in this manner 

 had killed the plants. Doubtless their death was attributable to some other 

 cause ; we have used it many years with successful results on various kinds 

 of fruit as a mulcher. A few days ago we visited a gentleman who grows 

 strawberries rather extensively, and were shown a two acre patch planted 

 last fall, that had received a heavy coating of bark ; we do not remember of 

 ever seeing strawberries of the same age so strong and luxuriant, although 

 the weather has been particularly unfavorable for tbeir growth; we cannot, 

 therefore, conclude that tan bark applied in moderation is hurtful to plants. 



Grapes in houses — will now be maturing their wood for next season's 

 fruiting. Air may now be more freely admitted than at any other period 

 of the year. Heavy rains should be excluded, and if it be deemed desira- 

 ble to water the roots, a thorough soaking should be given, and the surface 

 subsequently stirred up, to prevent evaporation, it being desirable to have' 

 the atmosphere as dry as possible. 



Grapes, out doors — the principal attention requisite here will consist in 

 tying up the branches, and securing the fruit from injury by winds. The' 

 extreme points of leading shoots may be pinched, but no further dimunution 

 of foliage should take place until the fruit is gathered. 



Planting — now is the proper time to make arrangements for fall planting, 

 both in regard to the preparation of the soil and selecting the trees. A 

 much better estimate of the habit, health, and general condition of the plant 



