77 



trees may succeed for a few years in so tenacious a 

 compost, we should much douht their permanency. 

 "We would rather advise two feet maximum of a good 

 sound yet mellow loam. 



Again, as to the wash recommended for dressing 

 the trees after pruning and nailing. We approve of 

 the articles used much, but we must be permitted to 

 doubt the propriety of using so great an amount of 

 soft soap. We would certainly advise persons about 

 to experiment in this way to begin at one-half the 

 strength as far as regards the soap ; the sulphur will 

 do no harm. Moreover, Mr. Irving is rather indefinite 

 as to the quantity of each article : A few pints of 

 soft water" is liable to a varied construction. '^A tub 

 filled nearly full of soapsuds," too. He should have 

 stated the size. 



Choice of Plants. — This is of very considerable im- 

 portance, for if the buds from which their heads were 

 formed were not taken from well-ripened bearing 

 wood, they will not be either very fruitful or long- 

 lived. The stocks are also of first consideration, but 

 this has been fully considered in the section on 

 " Propagation." The following judicious obser- 

 vations on the choice of plants are made by Mr. J. 

 Haythorn, of Wollaton Gardens : — 



Maiden plants should always be chosen, as they 

 may be trained in any way the purchaser pleases. 

 The stock should have a clear stem, with but few 



