992 



THE BOOK OF GARDENING. 



Under the section on Apples reference was made to the use 

 that might be made of the trees for park or shrubbery orna- 

 mentation, and that remark is equally applicable to the Cherry 

 where the soil is suitable. If the Wild Chej-ry makes a good 

 tree in the neighbourhood it may be taken for granted that the 

 better or cultivated varieties will also succeed. I'here are few 

 flowering trees so beautiful as the Standard Cherry when in full 

 blossom, and for beautifying gentlemen's estates it is infinitely 

 superior to many of the deciduous trees planted for effect. The 

 following varieties make large trees, and produce large, handsome 

 fruit, valuable alike for home use or consumption : Kentish 

 Bigarreau (a favourite market variety), Bigarreau Napoleon, Black 

 Circassian or Tartarian (a grand old favourite variety). Black 

 Eagle, and Elton (probably the best variety for heavy soils). On 

 good soils Waterloo is an excellent variety. Of course it will be 

 understood that all trees intended for growing as standards are 

 worked upon the Cherry stock, as the intention is for them to 

 develop into large trees ; for that reason, if planted in clumps, 

 they should be about 40ft. apart each way. After planting, 

 firmly secure the trees in an upright position by staking and 

 guarding against the ties cutting into the young wood and stem : 

 much injury may follow neglect in this respect. 



While the Cherry enjoys liberal treatment, the cultivator must 

 be guided by the weight of crop and vigour of the tree in 

 applying fertilising matter. It should be understood that trees 

 can only take up and assimilate a certain amount of food, and 

 excessive applications are very apt to cause bad health. When 

 trees are bearing heavy crops, or are weak in growth, diluted 

 liquid manure or a dressing of farmyard stuff is desirable, but only 

 in moderation. The same applies to the prepared manures on 

 the market. One of the safest manures for Cherries is bone- 

 meal at the rate of 30Z. to the square yard, given just as the 

 trees commence growth in spring. 



Under Glass. — In a cool house or case, to which plenty of 

 air can be admitted at both top and sides, Cherries are a very 

 decided success; and it is rather remarkable that more are not 

 cultivated in such structures. The trees fruit abundantly, and the 

 fruit also attains a splendid size and a lovely colour, with a 

 correspondingly delicious flavour. The cultural requirements are 

 much the same as advised for Apricots, viz., no coddling, plenty 

 of air, good soil and drainage, with careful attention to watering, 

 feeding, and summer pruning (the same as for Apricots). The 

 same manure is also suitable, although most of the chemical 

 manures advertised by leading makers afford a desirable change 

 occasionally. 



For growing under glass, either in pots or planted out in 

 borders, we prefer trees worked on the Mahaleb stock ; they 

 are moderate in growth, very fruitful, and will continue prolific 



