HOCKINGS GARDEN MANUAL. 



Propagation : The apricot is propagated by seed for 

 obtaining new varieties, and by budding and grafting 

 to multiply approved kinds. (See Peach.) 



Planting : The directions for planting are the same 

 as already given for the apple, except that these may 

 be planted closer — say sixteen feet to twenty feet 

 apart. The soil should be rammed firm about the 

 roots. 



Soil : A good sound loam, with a fair proportion of 

 vegetable mould, resting on a well-drained sandy or 

 chalky subsoil, would be suitable, especially if rich 

 in lime. 



Pruning : If properly managed, the summer pruning 

 would embrace nearly all that was requisite. This 

 operation consists of rubbing off misplaced shoots, and 

 stopping the lateral branches while tender. It should 

 not be commenced until the tree is well out in leaf, 

 and the first pruning should be light. Winter pruning 

 should be avoided as much as possible, as the apricot 

 does not readily heal or cover wounds, and the removal 

 of large limbs frequently causes canker. 



Thinning the Fruit : Where the fruit sets well the 

 crop should be gone over carefully and all superfluous 

 fruit removed. It should not be nearer in any part of 

 the tree than five inches asunder. A little care in 

 thinning will be beneficial in two ways : large and 

 better fruit will be produced, and the tree will not be 

 exhausted. 



THE BANANA— (Musa Sapientum). 



The banana is one of the most wholesome and 

 nourishing of fruits, and forms an important article of 

 diet among the inhabitants of the numerous islands of 

 the Pacific Ocean. 



It is not estimated in Queensland at its true value, 

 where it is only used in its raw state. It may also be 

 used in fritters, pies, preserves, or dried as figs • and a 



