70 



HOCKINGS* GARDEN MANUAL. 



that the primings of grape vines be turned in at the 

 roots of apple trees, as a cure for the American blight. 

 The effect is doubtless produced by the potash contained 

 in the cuttings. The chloride of lime wash, recom- 

 mended for the scale on orange trees at the end of that 

 chapter, is also an effective cure for the American 

 blight and mildew. Salt applied to the soil is a pre- 

 ventative of disease. 



Thinning : When trees have a large crop of fruit set, 

 thin out a large proportion, while very small, or there 

 will be.no fruit the following season. 



Manures : Lime and ashes are good special manures 

 for the apple, to the extent of half-a-peck each, applied 

 annually to each tree. The ashes should be applied 

 when fresh burned, or the potash will be lost, which 

 constitutes their chief value for this purpose. 



THE APRICOT. 



The native country of the apricot is not known, 

 but it thrives in the south of Europe, in Egypt, Arabia, 

 Japan, and China. 



As far as our present experience extends, the apricot 

 grows to perfection on the elevated Downs and colder 

 parts of the colony; but we have no sorts adapted for 

 cultivation in tropical Queensland. Efforts should be 

 made to introduce suitable varieties of this delicious 

 fruit from Italy, Egypt, and Japan. 



Varieties, — The Moor park is considered the best 

 for general purposes, and the Mignion and Pennant 

 Hills Oval will probably bear in favorable positions in 

 the vicinity of Brisbane. 



1 . Hemskirk — Size, medium, nearly round ; flesh, 

 firm, clear deep orange; flavor, rich and delicate ; stone, 

 small ; kernel, nearly sweet ; habit, early and hardy; 

 excellent bearer. 



