l6 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



In all these cases there is concordant evidence that the effect 

 of the explosions on the seed-bed was good ; the ground, although 

 double dug, became badly clogged where it had not been exploded, 

 and later in the dry period exhibited a few cracks. The drainage 

 was insufficient to allow the young seedhngs to prosper. The effect 

 on drainage was also seen on the potato patch, where during the 

 rains the water stood in puddles on the unexploded land. 



Asparagus. — The effect of draining and clogging was very well 

 demonstrated by the growth of some asparagus seedlings. These 

 were planted out partly on exploded and partly on non-exploded 

 ground, otherwise the soil treatment for each lot was identical. The 

 difference in growth was soon patent to the eye ; on June 7 the shoots 

 were measured, when it was found that the growth on 100 plants 

 amounted to 842 inches (70 feet) on the unexploded part, whilst 

 it was 1485 inches (nearly 124 feet) on the exploded part. That is 

 to say, the luxuriance of growth was not very far from having been 

 doubled. It will be interesting to note whether the difference will 

 be maintained during the coming season. 



Summary. — It is evident that in all cases a beneficial effect was 

 produced by the explosive treatment, the cropping of ' Crimson 

 Beauty ' potato, the effect on the seed-bed, and the luxuriance of 

 the asparagus seedHngs being especially noteworthy. 



Whilst the best method of application of explosives is still far 

 beyond the realms of dogmatic statement, I am inclined to think 

 that comparatively small charges,* deeply placed, are hkely to be 

 best suited to the purposes of the garden. It may be noted that 

 the use of explosives gives a means of subsoiling old borders, &c., 

 without removing the plants. I propose to try the effect of i oz. 

 or 2 oz. charges on part of an herbaceous border and also on 

 an old asparagus bed without otherwise disturbing the plants ; similar 

 treatment is already being tried on some young orchard trees which 

 have not been doing well. 



The Plumber's Blow-lamp as a Garden Tool. 



It is now eight years since I first introduced the blow-lamp to 

 my garden, and its range of usefulness is such that I venture to think 

 that others may like to employ it. Last year its use was recom- 

 mended in France as a means of attacking the woolly aphis 

 (Schizoneura lanigera), but the purpose for which I particularly recom- 

 mend it is the destruction of weeds. Incidentally I have also used it 

 for destroying pests on a small scale ; thus, at night, slugs are apt to 

 take an airing on tile or brick edgings, where they make themselves 

 amenable to the use of the lamp ; ants' nests may also be destroyed 

 if in suitable situations, and occasionally I have been able to kill con- 

 siderable numbers of the " turnip fly " between rows of seedlings. 

 Moreover, pests such as the raspberry weevil, which fall to the ground 



* E.g., 1 1 to 2 oz, cheddite, 3^ to 3I ft. deep, and 2 to 2^ yards apart. 



