THE RENEWAL OF OLD FRUIT TREES. 



49 



must be borne in mind in such cases that the borders often get into a 

 bad state, or that the roots go searching for nourishment in positions too 

 far from the surface, so that the wisest economy may be to make entirely 

 new borders and start with fresh vines. 



In a small garden half the vinery should be taken in hand at a time, 

 but where several vineries are in use, one house can be renewed in a sea*son. 



All small fruits, such as Gooseberries, Currants, and Raspberries, so 

 soon bear fruit that old unsightly bushes are best destroyed to make room 

 or new ones. It may be as well to say that Strawberries are of but little 

 use after three years, and new beds should be made annually, so as to keep 

 up a regular series. 



Where old trees are to be grafted, the stems should be prepared' in 

 February and the new grafts be inserted by the end of March. As the 

 shoots swell very rapidly, the junctions of scion and stock must be care- 

 fully watched, or the tying material may cut into the new growth, causing 

 it to be a harbour for insects and making it liable to snap off, and so losing 

 a season. The scions should be cut in February and be laid in the ground 

 half their length deep, in a shady place until wanted for use. 



