April 20, 189S. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
823 
display of Orchids. In these plants, however, England excels, also in 
practically all other flowers with the exceptions above named. 
English groups have often brightened the great floral halls of the 
old Flemish city, and this year they were not wholly absent. A 
hundred Hippeastrums (“Amaryllis”) were sent from the renowned 
collection of Messrs. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, and these could not be 
staged anywhere, no matter how rich the surroundings, without com¬ 
manding attention and admiration. Then the consignment of Ericas, 
Epacnses, Pimeleas, Aphelexes, Boronias, and plants of that nature 
such as Messrs. Cutbush & Sons sent over would constitute a feature, 
and their chaste beauty could not fail to be appreciated. With the 
exception of the above firms, and of Messrs. F. Sander & Co., we have 
not heard of other of our home friends sending plants or flowers. The 
St. Albans firm we are informed had the honour of winning the first 
prize for the following six new plants:— Strobilanthes Dyerianus, 
Alsophila atrovirens, Alocasia Watsoniana, Ludovia crenifolia, Dracmna 
Godseffiana, and Dracaena Sanderiana. Messrs. Sander & Co. also ex¬ 
hibited, not for competition, Carludovica Laucheana, Maranta Sanderi¬ 
ana, Oreopanax Sanderianum, Pandanus Baptisti, Vriesia tessellata 
variegata var. Sanderse, and V. fenestralis Germinyana. 
The grounds surrounding the casino always present a different 
appearance from the “ outside ” shows at home, inasmuch as we possess 
none of the stately globular and pyramidal Bay trees in tubs, grown 
and trimmed by years of patient labour and skilled attention. They 
produce an effect all their own, but are too formal to meet with popular 
favour in this country, though they afford appropriate ornaments to 
terraces. There is always a great show of glass structures, but it may 
he added when Messrs. Foster & Pearson exhibit, as on the present 
occasion, the substantial character and finish of their work stand out 
bold and clear amongst whatever may be seen around them, though it 
is becoming evident that the Notts exhibits have not been without 
educational effect on observant natives of the busy, and we are sorry to 
say now troubled, little kingdom. 
Besides the showing of plants, flowers, and gardening appliances, 
there is the banqueting of the jurors and others—always done well, not 
to say lavishly—with attendant glass chinklings, effusive handshakings, 
oratorical displays, and operatic wind-ups ; then comes the visiting to 
nurseries and elsewhere in search of novelties ; and after this the floral 
pilgrims wend their way to their respective homes in different lands, 
leaving a little money and sundry orders behind them, also work for 
the busy Belgians in clearing out their stocks. The quinquennial is 
well known as a gigantic trade organisation, splendidly managed, and 
the efforts of the shrewd and enterprising conductors to make it a 
success and the talk of the world is beyond all praise. That is what 
they do, and no other body in Europe, if in America, could do it so well. 
All the nurserymen appear to the unsophisticated visitor as if they were 
members of one great firm till the event is over, then the usual trade 
rivalry is resumed and continued till the next Quinquennial. 
This general sketch of the Ghent gatherings will do as well as going 
to the Show, to repeat practically what has been said before, and it has 
this advantage for the sketcher—namely, he escapes the mal de mer. 
HAKDY FRUiT GARDEN. 
Disbudding Fruit Trees. —The commencement of this important 
operation bas been rendered necessary somewhat earlier than usual, 
owing to the advanced state of many trees which the early spring has 
pushed forward into growth. Though, however, a beginning has been 
marie in many districts, it is not desirable to complete disbudding all 
at once, but to extend it over a period of some weeks. 
ilprlcots on Walls. —These being the earliest in growth need 
attention first. Carefully note every portion of the trees, and rub off or 
remove cleanly with a sharp knife all the misplaced shoots. Such 
growths on wall trees are usually situated behind the branches and 
facing the wall, where they practically are of no use. In all cases 
commence disbudding in the upper parts of the trees, wdiere activity 
and vigour is first apparent. Weil thin-out shoots which proceed from 
the front of the branches. These, if left, form the foreright shoots or 
breastwood, and only a fair number should be retained. Their position 
in front of branches does not enable them to be laid in as succession 
shoots, so they may be pinched at the second pair of leaves, resulting 
growths afterwmrds at one leaf. Shoots of this description will form 
artificial spuns, upon which fruit will eventually be produced. Well- 
manajed Apricots also form natural spurs freely, which must always be 
pref rred if situated in suitable positions. A fair number of young 
shoots all over the trees must be selected from the growths at the base 
of the fruiting shoots or originated in other positions to take the place 
of the latter when they are cut out in the autumn. The shoots on the 
fruit-bearing wood gradually reduce, leaving a few here and there below 
the young fruit if necessary ; but in all cases level with or above the 
fruit, one vigorous extending growth ought to be left to aid the circula¬ 
tion of sap to the swelling fruit. Such shoots are pinched when three 
or four good leaves have been formed. 
Peacbes and iTectarlnes. —These require similar treatment, but 
differ from the Apricot in usually being confined to young wood only 
for bearing fruit. Peaches and Nectarines do not furnish natural spurs 
so readily as the Apricot, but artificial spurs ma be produced by follow¬ 
ing the same method of pinching as recommended for the latter. Spurs, 
however, are not essential, as enough well-placed young wood can be 
secured annually. Commence the removal of superfluous wood growth 
by rubbing or cutting off all the ill-placed growths, those at the back 
being first attended to, afterwards those which point outwards, forming 
the breastwood eventually, if not removed. If retained they could not 
be utilised for training in, being so awkwardly placed. At the same 
time proceed to thin out gradually the growths situated in the more 
favourable positions, selecting one of medium vigour at the base of each 
fruiting shoot for training in. Select one at the top also, and reserve 
this for attracting sufficient sap to the fruit to aid its development. 
Most of the growths which lay between may be removed before dis¬ 
budding is finished. One-third of the tree or a little less can be operated 
on at a time, in all cases commencing at the top, working downwards, 
and proceeding gradually. 
Plums and Cherries. —The removal of useless shoots is likewise 
beneficial to these as to other trees. Disbudding is chiefly practised to 
remove gross shoots which are easily detected, as they commence to 
grow with exceptional vigour. Of the other growths on wall trees some 
may be thinned out, the best placed reserved for training in as extensions, 
or to fill vacancies between the principal and subsidiary branches, the 
rest pinched back when two pairs of leaves have been formed. Restricted 
trees in the open ground, such as espaliers, pyramids, and small bushes, 
will also be benefited by removing many of the inward growing shoots, 
which would he liable to choke the trees with growth that cannot 
possibly be perfected from their inability to obtain light and air. 
Suppress all gross shoots which start aw'ay from old wood, and for which 
no place can be found. 
Apples and Pears. —Look over the trees on walls, so that any 
useless shoots and those pointing in wrong directions may be removed 
entirely. Judicious thinning, if necessary, will improve the shoots left, 
giving more abundant light and air to the short promising buds close to 
the wall, and which it is desirable should soon develop into fruitful 
conditions. Besides the wall trees, espaliers, bushes, and pyramids those in 
the open will be much benefited by close scrutiny. The weakest buds 
that bear no promise of future usefulness closely remove, shoots of gross 
or undue strength rub off, and those retained leave sufficiently wide 
apart, so that a fair share of sunlight and air can penetrate to the 
interior of each tree whatsoever its form. 
When to Disbud. —The weather regulates the operation of dis¬ 
budding considerably. When moist and warm growth is more active, 
consequently less time can elapse between the removals. During the 
prevalence of cold drying winds the sap does not flow freely, therefore it 
would be unwise to disbud except very sparingly. The first disbudding 
should take place as the flower petals are falling, the second a few days 
afterwards, or longer, according as the trees require greater or less 
attention. Follow on at intervals until all the superfluous shoots have 
been discarded. 
How to Disbud. —The removal of soft young growths can mostly 
and easily be effected with the finger and thumb, but sometimes difficulty 
is experienced in accomplishing this without injuring the surrounding 
bark owing to the base of the shoots having attained a woody character. 
They should, therefore, in such cases be detached with a sharp knife, as 
to tear and injure the bark is decidedly wrong, frequently leading to 
canker in some trees and gum in others. 
FRUIT FORCING. 
Peacbes and Nectarines. —Earliest Mouse .—The early varieties 
started in December are now' taking their last swelling, Alexander being 
first, closely followed by Early Louise. The fruits must be kept dry 
after they approach ripening, and the leaves having been drawn aside 
and the fruits raised by means of thin latbs placed across and secured to 
the trellis so that the apex will he exposed directly to the light, they 
will he thus coloured well, and possess the highest quality. Syringing 
must be continued in the case of such vaiieties as Early Alfred, 
Hale’s Early, and Royal George or Stirling Castle until the fruit com¬ 
mences to ripen. Supply water to inside borders liberally, and give 
liquid manure to weakly trees carrying a heavy crop. Keep the shoots 
well tied down, thinning them where required, so as to give the sun and 
air access to the fruit for the ripening process. 
Trees Started Early in January .—The fruit being now stoning must 
not receive a su'’den check, as that occasioned by cold air in the day and 
too close and high a temperature at night and on dull days. A tempera¬ 
ture of 60° to 65° at night in mild and 6° less on cold nights is sufficient, 
65° not being exceeded on cold dull days, but allow 70° to 75° with 
gleams of sun, and 5° to 10° advance on briijht days, with free ventila¬ 
tion. Eapose the fruits to the light, for the darker they are before 
ripening commences the higher coloured and better flavoured they wdll 
be w'hen ripe. 
Succession Mouses .—Trees started in February are swelling the fruit 
freely. Assist weakly trees wdth liquid manure or surface dressings 
w'ashed in, but avoid stimulating them too much, as that is prejudicial 
to stoning, and avoid sudden depressions of temperature or the admission 
of cold air. A night temperature of 55° to 60° is sufficient for the 
present, allowing an advance to 65° by day with air, and 70° to 75° wdth 
