HARDY FRUITS FOR SMALL GARDENS. 



145 



in the spurs, thinning out the trained branches, and, if strong 

 growth is evident, root-pruning can be effectually carried out. 

 (A paper on this subject is given in the Eoyal Horticultural 

 Society's Journal, Vol. XV., page 211.) 



Pears on walls are generally too crowded in the branches, and 

 cleaner fruit will be obtained if not only these, but the spurs also, 

 are reduced to about one half ; and it is better to replant cordons 

 on the Quince stock of the varieties already named, which can be 

 bought in a fruiting state, than to plant espaliers again, as 

 the cordon system gives great variety in a small space, and fruit 

 of a larger size. 



Bush-fruits are frequently too crowded in small gardens, and 

 unless they are healthy, and show bold, clean young growth, had 

 better be rooted up at once, and a fresh stock be planted. The 

 existing beds of Strawberries and Raspberries can be tried for a 

 year, but some fresh plants should be introduced, especially in 

 suburban gardens, as these subjects seem to carry with them 

 something of the vitality and freedom of growth they have laid 

 up in the country. 



Again, most old gardens are benefited more by the addition 

 of fresh turfy loam than by strong nitrogenous manure, as in 

 time all the holding qualities of the soil in town gardens seems 

 to vanish, and it assumes such a loose nature that the roots of 

 fruit-trees cannot duly perform their functions in it. 



New Apple-trees should be upon the Paradise stock, and a 

 pretty form of standards called " amateurs' standards " can now 

 be purchased where there is room for them, while cordons and 

 fancy trees, with pyramids, come into bearing at once. 



The Quince stock is also preferable for Pears, except on 

 sandy and gravelly soils, when they should be on the free stock. 



HOW TO MAKE A FRUIT -ROOM. 



By Mr. Geoege Bunyaed, F.R.H.S. 



Foundation. — First level the soil and dig out holes for the 

 corners large enough to admit brick piers 14 by 14, or stones 

 about 1 foot square ; fix an iron dowel in the centre to receive 

 the corner posts of the structure. Some provision for air (air 



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