THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 
185 
necessary ; a stopping, in addition is, in most cases, necessary. 
First, it seems to concentrate the powers of the tree, thereby pro- 
ducing fruit of a larger character ; second, it tends to equalise 
strength in trained trees, provided the most luxuriant alone are 
stopped ; third, it tends to ripen the individual shoot acted on ; 
and, fourth, it exercises a further amount of control over the way- 
ward root ; which, in the case of the Peach or Nectarine, frequently 
impels the young shoots to a September growth. I need scarcely 
urge that such cannot possibly benefit the tree. The vast difference, 
therefore, between a course of summer’s pruning, and that of winter, 
should be kept steadily in view by young aspirants in fruit culture. 
A severe winter’s pruning excites the wood ; that of the summer 
ultimately checks such a tendency. Our spur-bearing fruits are in 
general much injured by succulent spray ; and it should be borne in 
mind that the wall-tree receives in the main less light in the aggre- 
gate than the ordinary espalier. This may appear a very disputable 
matter to some persons ; but I feel persuaded that such is the case, 
more especially when we consider that the root in the former case is 
generally so placed as to receive a greater amount of nourishment — 
that is to say, in proportion to the amount of perspiratory surface 
of leaf. 
The ordinary standard grows, perspires, and of course elaborates 
uncontrolled from a much greater amount of leaf ; w hilst the severe 
curtailment necessary with the wall-tree, destroys in a considerable 
degree that reciprocity which should exist between the absorbing 
and elaborating powers. 
BORONIA SERRULATA. 
BY A CORRESPONDENT. 
LL the Boronias are handsome, but this one is an especial 
favourite of mine. In choosing a plant from the nur- 
sery, let it be dwarf and bushy, and take care to keep 
it healthy and vigorous until the time has come round 
for potting it. Commence that operation in April, by 
preparing some nice light fibrous peat mould, beating it well to 
pieces. When this is done, sift it through a coarse sieve, to 
deprive it of the coarsest roots. Then add about half the quantity 
of silver sand, and a portion of clean broken potsherds, which will 
keep the soil open, porous, and healthy. Mix these well together. 
Then prepare a clean dry pot, well draining it with potsherds, upon 
the top of which put some of the coarse roots that were rejected 
when sifting. Place your plant upon the top, calculating the depth 
to put the ball, bearing in mind not to sink the collar of the plant 
too low, but to have it rather elevated above the level of the surface 
when potted, pressing down the soil somewhat closely. When 
potting is finished, place the plant in a greenhouse or pit ; I prefer 
Jane. 
