324 



GARDENING FOR THE SOUTH. 



Cherries are generally budded or grafted on the Maz- 

 zard or wild European stock, though the Mahaleb or per- 

 fumed cherry stock, is far better here. Our common Mo- 

 rello seems to do better for stocks here, than theMazzard. 

 If grafted, it must be done very early in the spring, as 

 well as all other stone fruits. Cherry trees must be cut 

 back so low when planted, that they will throw out 

 branches within eight or ten inches of the soil, in order to 

 shade the roots and trunk ; then keep them shortened-in, 

 like the peach. "Without this mode of training, it is use- 

 less for us to plant the finer varieties, as the sun will kill 

 them by scorching the bark. They should be planted in 

 a cool situation, as the north side of a building, or on any 

 northern exposure, where they will be screened from the 

 mid-day sun, as the young fruit is liable to blight from 

 heat, as well as the tree to be injured. 



If caterpillars, or insects of any kind attack the foliage, 

 they must be exterminated by some of the modes given 

 under the head of insects. The bug is best destroyed by 

 throwing ashes or lime up among the leaves, or syring- 

 ing with soap and tobacco. 



After the cherry arrives at maturity, the finer kinds are 

 generally stolen by the birds, against which, powder and 

 shot is the most ejSfectual remedy. Dwarf trees may be 

 protected by nets. 



It is not probable that the cherry will be very success- 

 fully cultivated in the South, until we have varieties 

 raised here from seed, that are adapted to our wants. 

 Cherry seed should be planted immediately, because if 

 they become dry, they seldom grow. 



Of the varieties described below, the Elton, May Duke, 

 and common Morello, have borne fine crops here. The 

 Kentish, Late Kentish, Belle Magnifique, Reine Hortenso, 

 and English Morello, will probably prove as hardy ai 



