December 81, 1801. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER . 
661 
into growth first; the base buds of each year’s pruned leader 
receive the least force of sap from the flow, and consequently 
remain, if not quite inactive, in a weak state, never appearing to 
make up for the loss of energy at the outset, even if growth 
commences. It is the want of concentration which prevents free 
growth throughout the Vine in a regular manner. 
I have now pointed out the evils of what I term an irrational 
method of pruning young Vines. The next point is how they 
ought to be managed so that a superior foundation is laid—not 
only in favour of present crops, but for the supply of fruit, which 
ought to be obtained from these Vines during the maximum 
number of years and for the better appearance of the Vines. It 
will be wise perhaps to commence with the pruning—quite the 
beginning. When planting Vines those of one year’s growth from 
the eye are preferred to those which are older ; the canes, as they 
are termed in that stage, will not be less than 6 feet long. My 
plan is to prune them for the sake of convenience at planting time 
to within, say, 1 foot of the soil. I prefer that their growth shall 
•commence with about three shoots to each Vine, which better 
provides a choice of the best when growth commences, although I 
prefer that which comes from the base ; but slugs may be trouble¬ 
some, or an accident may take place in the shoot depended upon if 
only one were retained. 
It is wise to remember the old adage, “ safety in numbers.” 
Even where all the buds start freely into growth, by judicious 
management that at the base will become the fittest to provide the 
future rod. At the end of the first season’s growth after planting 
pruning is done, with a view of allowing for a pair of side shoots 
and a leader above the lower wire. 
If it is considered advisable to allow Vines of this age to carry 
one or even two bunches of fruit, the pair of side shoots will 
provide them. It is not considered good policy to allow the 
leader of a young Vine to carry any fruit, nor would it be so 
to crop a Vine of this age with two bunches, having in view its 
future ; but even were that so, two bunches could be easily 
obtained. And why, then, is it necessary to allow more shoots ? 
The plan adopted by persons of experience in the cropping of 
Vines the first year is to allow one bunch each, just to prove the 
variety as it were. The Second year the length of the leader 
should not extend more than 2 feet for the same reason as pre¬ 
viously given. 
Three bunches to each Vine will be a sufficient crop for Vines 
of this age, bearing in mind the future maximum number of years 
the Vines are to last. The two side shoots formed the previous 
season are certain to form suitable bunches, and several more 
growths will spring from the 2 feet of leader left in addition to 
the leading shoot, which is to continue the progress of the Vine 
for future years. The third season an extra length of 6 inches 
may be added to the leader if the prospect warrants such a 
proceeding—that is, equal strength being maintained in all parts 
of the Vine.—E. M. 
The Weather in the Metropolitan District during the 
greater part of last week was distinguished by continuous dense 
fogs and very low temperatures. On the evening cf December 25th 
the fog suddenly dispersed and a rapid thaw commenced, the two 
following days being clear, sunny, warm, and spring-like. The hoar 
frost had been so thick upon the trees and shrubs, that in some 
places when it fell it formed a snow-like covering 2 inches in depth. 
Very seldom does boar frost last so long as on this occasion. Slight 
frosts have been experienced since, with rain at intervals, and some 
fine clear days. 
- The Market Gardeners, Nurserymen, and Farmers’ 
Association. —The annual dinner of this Association took place on 
the 17th inst., at Simpson’s Hotel. William Poupart, Esq. (the 
President of the Association) took the chair, and upwards of seventy 
gentlemen, representative of the growers’ trade in its various branches, 
partook of an excellent repast, a selection of vocal and instrumental 
music contributing to the success of the gathering. A full notice of 
the Association, its constitution and objects, will be found in our 
advertisement columns. 
- Death op a Nonagenarian Gardener. — We hear with 
regret that Mr. James Williams, father of the late Mr. B. S. Williams of 
Upper Holloway, and grandfather of Mr. Henry Williams, died on 
December 24th last, in his ninety-fifth year, he having been born on 
January 18th, 1797. He went into the service of Mr. Warner, Wood¬ 
lands, Hoddesden, December 17th, 1817, and remained in the family 
until he retired, some few years ago. 
-Honour to Mr. George Dickson op Newtownards, 
County Down, Ireland. —All lovers of the Rose, whether they are 
personally acquainted with this renowned rosarian or not, will be glad to 
learn that the Lord Chancellor of Ireland has admitted him to the 
dignity of a Justice of the Peace for the County Down. Mr. Dickson 
has already filled several public offices with distinction, and there 
can be little doubt that his business, qualities and sound sense 
will find ample scope in the new position he has been called upon 
to fill. 
- New Year’s Reminders. —Messrs. J. Weeks & Co., Chelsea, 
send us a sample of the pocket book they annually distribute. It is 
a sound, useful book, as it ought to be, as representing this well knrwn 
firm, and will be of service to its possessors throughout the year. 
- Gold Medal to Mr. Sell op Fleet Street. — We are 
informed that the Jury of the Exposition Internationale de la Publicity, 
1891, Palais des Beaux-Arts Paris, have awarded Mr. Henry Sell the 
highest award—viz., the gold medal, for his “ Dictionary of the World’s 
Press,” and other publications relating to advertising. 
- Gardening Appointments. —Mr. John Tweedie, foreman 
under Mr. Clark, Wemyss Castle, has been appointed gardener to 
Sir R. Abercromby, Bart., of Birkenbog and Forglen, Banffshire. 
Mr. William Death, a late foreman to Mr. Lambert, Onslow Hall, 
Shrewsbury, is appointed to succeed Mr. Townsend at Mytton Hall, 
Shrewsbury (T. R. Greatorex, Esq.). 
- Primulas. —A visitor to Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons’ Nursery, 
Chelsea, was so charmed with the Primulas that he could not be 
satisfied without bringing samples with him for our opinion of their 
merits. Only a glance is needed for recognising the substance of the 
blooms, with the richness of the dark and the delicacy of the light 
colours. They are good in every respect, and represent excellent 
varieties admirably grown. 
- Messrs. Foster & Pearson send us their clear and ex¬ 
cellent almanack of twelve sheets. It is admirably adapted for offices 
and gardeners’ cottages. A new feature is introduced in the form of 
excellent portraits of Mr. Jennings of Ascott Gardens ; Mr. J. Douglas, 
Great Gearies Gardens; Mr. W. Bennett, Rangemore Gardens ; Mr. 
Davies, Mote Park Gardens; Mr. Bailey Wadds, Birdsall Gardens ; 
and Mr. Elphinstone, Shipley Hall Gardens. 
- The Preston and Fulwood Floral and Horticultural 
Society. — The forty-third monthly meeting of the members and 
subscribers of the above Society will be held in the large room of the 
Legs of Man Hotel, Fishergate, Preston, on Saturday evening next, 
January 2nd, 1892, when Mr. John Williams, of the Priory Gardens, 
Penwortham, will read a paper on “ Our Homes, and Climbing Plants 
to Beautify Them.” Chair to be taken at 7.30. Exhibits of plants, 
flowers, fruit, or vegetables are invited. 
- Fruit Culture in South Australia. —According to 
official returns, lately reviewed by the Adelaide Observe!', the area of 
land devoted in South Australia to gardens and orchards has advanced 
since 1885 from 10,775 acres to 15,362 acres, representing an increase of 
50 per cent., this area apparently including that devoted to viticulture. 
The statistics show that the Orange, Almond, Walnut, Chestnut, and 
Olive are largely cultivated. The number of Almond trees is given as 
134,038, or 27,768 more than last year ; Olive trees, 59,118, or 11,694 
more ; and Orange trees 56,341, the latter producing 44,762 cases of 
fruit, or 3040 more. The increase in the manufacture of olive oil is 
even more marked. The quantity made is returned at 6838 gallons, as 
against 1486 in the previous year. Almond trees are stated to have 
produced 3311 cwt. of nuts, being an increase of 1468 cwt. In 1890 
Walnut trees numbered 7644, and Chestnut trees 1128. The climate 
and flora of South Australia are also well adapted to the ne n ds of the 
bee-keeper. According to the rough estimates of the bee-owners, 25,383 
hives in the colony last year produced nearly 500 tons of honey, of 
which 80,793 lbs. were exported, 
