JULY. 



Ill 



author himself. To Mr. Rivers, therefore, belongs the credit of all that pertains to their 

 introduction and history, quite as much as the railway system owes its beginning- to George 

 Stephenson, iron and glass architecture to Sir Joseph Paxton, and good farming to 

 Mr. Mechi. 



This last edition contains many improvements, and is suggestive, and is written in the 

 same kindly genial spirit which characterises Mr. Rivers' writings. The suggestions as to 

 culture, including the rationale of the treatment of orchard-house plants practised at 

 Sawhridgeworth, show very much of philosophical reasoning and an intimate knowledge 

 of the habits of fruit trees, and, for these reasons alone, should be read by every young 

 gardener, who would do well to digest thoroughly all the author advances on the subject. 



We do not see why Currants and Raspberries are not worthy a house of this description. 

 Both fruits in March and April would be invaluable for tarts and other culinary purposes, to 

 say nothing about their making a nice addition to the dessert. 



The Potato.— A question , was _ asked us the other day whether we did not consider 

 that the Potato had regained its original flavour, which, for many years, was deteriorated 

 through the disease. Our opinion coincides with the one given by our friend, that 

 although the haulm is attacked as usual, and, apparently with the same destructive effects, 

 the quality of _ the tubers has been gradually improving for the last two or three years (at 

 least in this district), and is now as mealy and high-flavoured as we remember them prior to 

 1845; indeed, with such kinds as the Dalmahoy, Fluke, and Regent, if care is taken to 

 plant early on dry soils and to avoid rank manure, fair crops and good-quality tubers may 

 be obtained ; and the Potato remain with us a tolerably certain and paying crop. — Gr. F. 



"When to Bud. — It is an error to suppose budding can only be performed durino' 

 about three months in the summer season. With fruit trees, for instance, it may be success- 

 fully practised even in November. "When wall or espalier trees of the Apple, Pear, or Plum, 

 have long, naked branches (and we have seen scores of such trees grubbed up in con- 

 sequence), they may quickly be clothed with bearing wood by inserting buds rather thickly 

 on them. We have seen one and two-year-old buds of the Pear worked on naked branches, 

 which have borne fruit the following season, which were budded quite late in the autumn. 

 A little warm grafting-wax is brushed over the incision after budding, as I seldom bind 

 the buds. 



Oxydisation of Iron. — Is it generally known that coal ashes or cinders injure hot- 

 water pipes and iron in general ? Having a pipe underneath the ground near a hothouse, 

 my man covered it with coal ashes. As a good nonconductor, in a few months the pipe was 

 almost rusted through. I am told this effect is produced by the sulphur (remaining in the 

 ashes) acting on the iron — it appeared like a case of simple oxydation. The ashes were 

 removed, the pipe buried in clay, and it looks in no worse condition, though several years 

 have elapsed since the change was effected. — J. R. Peabson, ChihveU. 



CALENDAR OF 



Conservatory. 

 In general, it is not necessary to keep this house 

 very full of plants at this season of the year ; a few- 

 good specimens, -well-arranged, will make sufficient 

 display. By this means the permanent plants will 

 getmore air, and the young growths will get properly 

 matured. Keep the plants well supplied with water, 

 and syringe daily. Give abundance of air day and 

 night. The destruction of insects requires unceasing 

 attention. Keep every place as clean and neat as 

 possible. 



Greenhouses. 

 Plants out of doors will now require much atten- 

 tion. All, except those in large pots, do best when 

 plunged in coal ashes. In showery weather examine 

 them daily, and see they do not suffer either from 

 too much or from want of water at the roots. In 

 dry, hot weather syringe every afternoon. Plants 



OPERATIONS. 



under glass can scarcely have too much air now. 

 Shade in very hot weather. Turn the plants round 

 frequently, and keep them properly tied-out and 

 trained. Pick-off all flowers as soon as they begin 

 to die away, and shorten back or prune such plants 

 as need it. Shift at once all plants that want a 

 larger pot. 



Stove. 



All the stronger-growing plants, such as Clero- 

 dendrons, should now be watered with weak, clear, 

 liquid manure. Keep the atmosphere moist by sy- 

 ringing daily, and throwing down plenty of water 

 on the paths, stages, &c. Shade for a few hours in 

 the middle of the day in very hot, bright weather. 

 Give abundance of air during the day, and a little at 

 night. Plants for flowering during the winter 

 should now be attended to. The following are use- 



