HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 49 



CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS. 



FRUIT. 



Pruning, should be brought to conclusion at the earliest convenience. It 

 is still a common practice to defer this operation until early spring, although 

 it is generally conceded that the sooner after the fall of the leaves it is done, 

 the better; various reasons might be given for this opinion. The principal 

 one is that the sap accumulated in the tree during winter is economised. 

 Late spring pruning is sometimes resorted to, as a means of weakening 

 trees of very strong growths, but summer pruning will have a more decided 

 effect where this object is in view. Many old peach trees flower profusely 

 and set a heavy crop of fruit which drops before coming to maturity, and is 

 quickly followed by the death of the tree itself. This might be prevented 

 by thining the old branches, and pruning the strongest last year's wood 

 rather close down, diminishing the finest buds, and favoring wood growth. 

 Old trees of any description that have become crowded in the centre, will be* 

 much improved by judicious thinning, and all moss and loose bark should be 

 cleared off the stem. If infected by scall, they should be washed over with 

 a weak solution of potash in wate. It is a good practice to wash the bark 

 of trees with whale oil, or even common soap and water, destroying insects 

 and their egg3, and cleaning off all extraneous matter. 



Ground intended for planting should be undergoing thorough preparation 

 as soon as practicable. Next to trenching with the spade, the subsoil 

 plough is the most efficient implement that can be used. Either the one or 

 the other is indispensable in most soils. It is no use to dig holes in the sub- 

 soil, unless it is loosened all over as deep as the bottom of the holes, other- 

 wise they will become receptacles for water. It is cheapest in the end to 

 give every care and attention both in the preparation of the ground and 

 planting the trees. A compost of leaf mould from the woods, rotted sod, 

 and decayed manure in equal quantities, should be got in readiness for 

 planting. Thi3 will give the young roots a good start, and establish the 

 plant at once, instead of lingering on a miserable existence for two or three 

 years as often occurs with trees stuck down in a careless manner. 



Strawberries, in pots will require more water and a situation near the 

 light. They should receive frequent waterings overhead, in order to keep 

 clear of red spider, an insiduous enemy, difficult to exterminate when once 

 in possession. Beware of too high temperature, especially at night ; 45° 

 will not be too low, and from 65° to 70° in bright weather. When the 

 flowers expand, see that a sufficient number of staminates are placed at 

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