218 
THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. 
[ OCTOBEB, 
flowering trees, renders it still more attractive. About the beginning of 
September its ornamental properties are very much enhanced by its fruit 
changing to a golden colour, which produces a rich and striking effect. 
So interesting a species of Thorn ought to be in every pleasure ground. 
It may not be generally known that its fruit makes an excellent pre¬ 
serve ; but here, through the skilful manipulation of Mrs. Vickers, the 
housekeeper, it is manufactured into one of the most delicious jellies of the 
kind that I am acquainted with. I send you a small portion two years old 
to taste. [It is excellent.] Some persons prefer it to Guava jelly. 
This fine old tree seems to have required a support when in a young 
state, as it is now in a leaning position, which detracts a good deal from its 
dignity. It has 9 feet of clear stem, the circumference of which is 5 feet 
6 inches ; diameter of branches, 38 feet; height, 26 feet. As this has been 
considered by many to be the largest specimen in England, I should be 
glad to learn the dimensions of others through the pages of this journal. 
Cobham Hall Gardens, Gravesend. R. Budd. 
SEASONABLE GARDENING HINTS—OCTOBER. 
iT the beginning of last month we had a return of the hot weather, for 
which the past summer has been so remarkable. This checked the 
growth of everything, and necessitated the liberal supply of water 
to late-planted Celery, Cauliflowers, and other vegetables. Though 
all active growth may be said to be at an end for this season, the 
present month is by no means a time of rest for the gardener, but one re¬ 
quiring great foresight and promptness. 
All tender plants requiring it should forthwith be got under protection, 
as in our changeable climate we cannot fortell what sort of weather four and 
twenty hours may bring forth. The ice king may suddenly and unwarily 
come upon us; so it behoves us to be prepared for him. Pelargoniums and 
all softwooded tender plants out-doors should at once be put into pits and 
frames, where they will not only be safe but do well for the present, if care 
be taken not to overcrowd them, to keep them near the glass, to water 
only when necessary, to give plenty of air when the state of the weather 
admits of it, and to cover up well should frost set in. Chrysanthemums 
should now receive every attention ; as long as the weather continues mild 
and open, they will do very well out of doors, but on the approach of frost 
they should be put under cover; they will succeed for a wdiile in pits, 
but must not be set too close together, and should have all the air possible; 
the lights should be removed during the day, and in very mild weather may 
remain off during the night; the plants should be well supplied with water, 
and if in small pots and well rooted, should have a dose of liquid manure 
once or twice a-week. Hardwooded greenhouse plants should have air 
