31 ARCH. 
69 
any other subjects) are taken to an exhibition, where, for the time being, 
the public has an interest in them, and they are fairly within the pale 
of criticism—they must be judged as they then and there appear (not 
what they are to be), and provided that criticism is a fair and open one, 
it is for the benefit of horticulture, as well as exhibitors, that the truth 
is recorded; which, on public ground, ought not to be unpalatable to 
any one when viewed in its proper light. 
Now, Dear Mr. Editor,—I have digressed so far from my Notes 
proper, that I fear you will have to squeeze them into a very small 
corner, if you insert them at all, but whether or not, I must jot down 
a few. First then. Is the winter over ? everyone is asking me; my 
answer to which is, that if not over, the mischief already done is quite 
sufficient for any ordinary winter ; kitchen garden vegetables have suffered 
immensely from catching frosts, with mild intervals between to excite 
action. Broccoli, Spinach, Lettuce, and even Cabbage plants in many 
instances are destroyed from this cause; no time must be lost therefore in 
making good failures. The land generally speaking is sound and healthy, 
i. e. dry, and will be found in good condition wherever rough digging or 
trenching has been effected, even for a short time. The planting of 
deciduous trees and shrubs should be completed as quickly as possible, 
but don’t touch evergreens, excepting such hardy things as Spruce 
Firs, &c., the dry winds of March and April may make you regret 
the step. Whatever is planted, provide some dryish pulverised soil to 
plant in, seeing that it is nicely worked in among the roots. Careful 
planters, when they can, dig the holes for the trees some months 
before planting, to sweeten and pulverise the soil thrown out, which 
greatly assists the formation of roots when the trees are planted. Larch 
should always be felled towards the end of summer, when its vessels are 
charged with turpentine, and it endures much longer, but where the 
bark is used, it should be taken off when the sap rises. It is not gene¬ 
rally known that the bark of Larch makes "one of the cheapest and 
most durable of roofing materials for farm buildings, sheds, &c., lasting 
many years. After taking it from the tree, it must be cut in proper 
lengths and flattened ; when dry it is fit for use. Potatoes have rotted 
more in the pits this winter than we remember; the complaints on this 
are general and widely spread, and yet I do not remember them ever 
being better harvested. 
G. F. 
[Our correspondent has so completely anticipated our views on the 
question of Pelargoniums as to render unnecessary an article written on 
this discussion. We have received other letters on the subject, but do 
not consider it necessary to publish them, as “ G. F.,” and “ Omicron,” 
(see page 75), in giving their opinions, record the views generally 
entertained with regard to Mr. Thomson’s letter.— Ed.] 
