68 
THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. 
[ March, 
stocks to suit the different varieties. I am inclined to favour the Con- 
stantia for a stock; it is a good grower, and makes fibres very freely. It 
answers here for two varieties admirably, and if I had more stocks of the 
Royal Muscadine I should certainly put Muscats on them. 
Thorpe Perrow. William Culverwell. 
PROTECTION FOR WALL TREES. 
,LL who cultivate wall fruits will be now thinking about something 
in the way of protection. During my practice, of more than 
twenty years, I have adopted various modes, from the fir branches 
of our forefathers, down to canvas curtains; and taking all things 
into consideration, I give a most decided preference to the latter, 
both for efficiency and economy. When they are nicely fixed, the labour 
of covering and uncovering is trifling; an active lad will soon run round 
a large garden. 
The following is a very simple and convenient way of fixing. Make 
the curtains in lengths of about 8 yards, with rings top and bottom, to run 
on strained wires, which are cut in separate lengths, the same as the curtains, 
with an eye turned at each end. Those at the top of the wall are strained 
to hooks “ such as are used for a common curtain rodthere should be 
a hook placed in the centre also. The bottom wire must be fixed to short 
posts let into the border about 2 feet 6 inches from the wall, with hooks 
so placed that the eyes turned at the end of each wire pull against each 
other. The curtain is drawn from each end to the middle, and made secure 
by tying. 
Oakley Park , Suffolk. 
W. Robins. 
THE CULTIVATION OF THE CARNATION AND PICOTEE. 
« ET me follow up the remarks already made by describing the treat- 
ment proper for these charming flowers. The first thing to be 
thought about is the soil most suitable for the healthy growth of the 
plants. Now, I find that good sound yellow loam, such as will grow 
wheat well, is mostly suitable for growing and blooming these 
flowers successfully, if it is properly prepared before using. First, get from 
the headland of a field which has not been over-long in fallow, the quantity of 
loam required, and then procure some cow’s dung—which is my favourite 
manure for most kinds of florists’ flowers—three-fourths loam to one of cow’s 
dung. I should advise that this mixture should be made up during the 
summer months, to be ready for use at the following spring planting. The 
dung taken from the field where the cows are feeding from grasses alone, 
is preferable to that obtained from the shed, where dried food is given them. 
But whether from the field or shed, I recommend its being mixed with 
