HOCKINGS GARDEN MANUAL. 



121 



used on all other occasions. For the compost, see 

 " Compost for top-dressing," which follows. 



Compost for pruit trees in fots. 



Pare off three inches from a pasture with a tena- 

 cious, loamy soil, chop it up into pieces about the size 

 of a walnut, and expose it to the air for two or three 

 months in the summer, and it is lit for use. Two-thirds 

 of this loam, with one-third of rotten manure, should 

 be well mixed, but Dot sifted or broken hne * leave it 

 in lumps. After the tree is planted, ram the earth 

 down firnilv \ many trees fail through inattention to 

 this. 



Compost for top-dressing. 



Horse and cattle droppings, equal portions, tho- 

 roughly mixed, thrown into a ridge and saturated with 

 strong liquid manure. Spread a thin layer of finely 

 powdered charcoal over the whole, and in two days 

 thoroughly mix and use. There is no surface- dressing 

 equal to this \ the effect is almost magical. In early 

 spring every year the surface earth should be removed 

 from the pot and replaced with this compost, filling the 

 pot to the rim, and pressing it down. 



THE PEAR— (Pyrus Communis). 



The pear is preferred to the apple by many persons, 

 and, in point of merit, may fairly be classed next to 

 that fruit. It is more hardy and durable than the 

 apple, taking longer to arrive at maturity, but existing 

 for centuries in health, vigor, and productiveness. In 

 France and other continental countries, the pear is cut 

 into slices and dried over an oven, and, when weil pre- 

 pared, will keep in good order and preserve its flavor 

 for several years ; and the sorts best adapted for this 



