November i, 1S81.] THE TROPICAL AGRICULTURIST. 
47i 
apple 
as to 
cherri 
it is 
unsui 
land 
worthy of culture here found in such a position 
quality. But I need only refer 
his subject, for in all sorts of 
been good here. What I want 
excellence is attained, for the 
ns extra fertile ; on the contrary. 
del; 
plication oi rich top 
for between tbe rows 
forms, tbe soil that 
ankle-deep in manure 
borders were mulched 
of the 
to con: 
of stoc 
graftin 
in pini 
growth 
with 
>uld 
oy me ap- 
ed manure, 
of various 
! trees was 
fruit bouse 
all plunged 
at 
mergy of the tree is expended in perfect- 
ing fruit and fruit buds for another year, instead of 
useless spray-like watery shoots. The old plan of cutting 
the breast wood off' within two or three leaves of the 
spur from which it sprang is entirely discontinued, and 
the growth is allowed to make six or eight joints before 
being stopped. By that time the crop is swelling fast, 
and the trees show but little inclination to make wood 
growth, or if they do, it is from the tips that will be 
cut oft" at the following winter's pruning, while tbe buds 
for another season's crop are perfecting at the base of 
the spur, without danger of being driven into wood 
growth, as in the case when other outlets for the sap is 
cut oil'. 
•dens where the trees or bushes arc 
•al forms than in the preceding in- 
in tins neighbourhood, and I may 
>wn linn of Messrs. Skinner it Sons 
Fruit farms 
pwn in more natural 
stance are numerous in 
refer to the well-known 
as an instance of succe 
for on various farms be) 
Such line crops as wouh 
where the manure cart i 
sum up the grounds f< 
more conspicuous in a g 
when the trees and bus! 
ol Emit, has been steadi 
cultiu-e. Here we find the extension system in its widest 
House and fullest development, apple trees that beai - 40 
sieves on a single tree, and other trees in proportion ; 
even the hush fruits such as gooseberries and currants 
are giants of then- kinds, and filberts and cobnuts, which 
although pruned the severest of any fruit trees, extend 
t" gigantic proportions, and the weight of nuts borne 
by one hush is hardly credible. But to support this 
drain upon the land a constant system of high feeding 
is practised; all kinds of London street refuse and man- 
ures ore got together during tin- year, and such dressings 
applied as would have frightened our forefathers, for 
Bowers for market are now fully alive to the foot that 
I mod article always commands the top price in market 
and 11 ready sale, and they lind it to their interest to 
grow good reliable sorts in the highest state of perfee 
tioii in which they can be produced. Cultivated orchards 
that are planted with standard fruits of various sorts, 
and bush fruits between, arc heavily manured and dug 
m winter, and any trees, especially heavily cropped, have 
a top dressing over tbe roots while the fruit is swelling 
and abundant applications of liquid manure. And at this 
time, when one finds hop poles and cross bearers put 
under the branches to keep them from breaking down 
with the weight of then- fruit, there can be no question 
that the trees need all the help or stimulus that can be 
given them to perfect such crops year after year. 
In orchards on the grass devoted solely to standard or 
half-standard trees, where the grass is fed oft" by sheep, 
rich top dressings, for where the grass is cut and carried 
away the trees quickly fail to be prolific, unless a win- 
ter dressing of manure is applied, the same as on 
cultivated soils. But where sheep are constantly fed and 
pastured under the trees, they remain vigorous and pro- 
lific as long as a limb is left standing. In these orchards 
any kind of garden refuse or green food from the farm 
can be usefully applied to supplement the keep of the 
sheep, as the larger the number the better for tbe trees ; 
and if every farm had its orchard, we might soon hope 
to have fruit both abundant and cheap, for this system 
of combining fruit culture with farming or stock rearing 
promises to be a source of benefit both to the producer 
and consumer. J. G. 
Maidstone. 
VEGETABLES FOR THE TROPICS. 
(From Sutton's Tropical Garden Guide.) 
(Continued from page 379.J 
Cabbage (Brassica capitata). 
There is generally only a short season during which 
it is possible to cultivate cabbage, so that there is no 
occasion for tbe great variety of sorts used in England. 
Any of the following will be found veiy useful — Early 
York, Nonpareil, and Sutton's Imperial. Sowing cabbage 
before September is attended with great trouble, and 
generally results in failure. From the beginning of this 
month seed may be sown for successional crops until 
the end of the year. The first sowings will need pro- 
tection from the rains, and may be planted in large 
gumlahs. Do not sow too thickly, and if the plants 
come up well and become at all crowded, thin out immedi- 
ately to prevent damping off. On no account plant 
out until the rains are over, in the beginning or middle 
of October. Make tbe soil very rich on which the plants 
are put out. Put tbe plants about 18 inches apart. A 
plantain leaf makes a very good protection for the young 
plant for a few days until thoroughly established. Water- 
ing and the application of liquid manure is important. 
After the first cabbage heart has been removed, the stem 
will throw out an abundance of sprouts and greens for 
a long time. 
Savoy Cabbage (Brassica bullata major). 
Same cultivation as for cabbage. 
Capsicum and Chili (Capsicum annuum). 
These annuals are very easily grown. Sow at com- 
mencement of rains in beds, and transplant when a few 
inches high, IS inches apart. Water with liquid raaniure 
once a week, and to obtain large specimens pick off 
some of the first flowers. Avoid too frequent watering, 
as it causes the roots to rot. 
COUVE TllONCIIUDA Oil PoilTUOAIl CABBAGE 
(Brassica costata oblohga). 
This is a delicious vegetable. The top forms a line 
cabbage of delicate llavour, and the midribs of the largest, 
leaves are excellent when dies-ed a^ Sea Kale. 
Carboi [Dawun Carota). 
It is of 110 use to sow before the rains are ov/r. 
The ground should be well pulverised by repeated digging, 
and should not be too heavy. Sow either broadcast or 
in drills; if the latter. S inches apart. When the plants 
are established, hoe out to • ■ inches apart. The soil 
