1875 . ] 
GARDEN WORK FOR APRIL. 
83 
best for general purposes ; a variety of this, Mazarine Gem , is deserving of notice 
as being richly coloured, and L. nivea is the best white. Several of the Abutilons 
are most effective for massing; interspersed amongst dark-leafage plants, they 
produce relief by pleasing contrast; the best is A. maculatum niveum auveum 
(which, I think, is known as A. marmoratum), A . Thonipsoni , and the dwarf-growing 
A. vexillarium variegatum , which forms an' effective ground-work amongst tall 
plants. Gradually harden off under temporary protection the hardier kinds that 
are thoroughly established, to bear full exposure during mild w r eather, plunging 
the pots in spent tan or other light materials, so as to. economise attention in 
watering, and at the same time guard against cold cutting winds. Pot off 
cuttings as soon as rooted, and prick off seedlings of all kinds, so as to prevent 
drawing. Divide and start the tubers of Cannas ; sow seeds of Stocks , Asters, 
Marigolds , Zinnias , Everlastings , and other Half-hardy Annuals , and start them 
in a mild heat.— Geo. Westland, Witley Court. 
FRUITS. 
Vines: Where the fruit is beginning to colour, syringing must be discon¬ 
tinued ; attend to previous directions in regard to temperature, air, &c. Com¬ 
mence thinning the berries in the succession-houses at an early stage after they 
are set, and keep the shoots tied in and the lateral shoots stopped. Water the 
inside borders, and maintain a moist atmosphere during the time the fruit is 
swelling. Close early in the afternoon, to economise sun-heat. Vines in pots 
must not at any time suffer from drought; water them liberally with liquid 
manure, but be careful not to apply it too strong, or it may injure the young 
feeders. Young Vines that are intended for fruiting next year should be shifted 
as they may require it; in potting them use rough turfy loam mixed with sheep- 
droppings. 
Peaches and Nectarines: Go on with the disbudding in the succession-houses, 
and tie in and regulate the shoots of those farther advanced; select for next year 
those of moderate growth. Stop the shoots above the fruit, with the exception 
of those that are destined for leading branches. Continue to thin the fruit as 
they may require it; this must be entirely regulated by the condition of the 
trees, as double the number may be retained on a vigorous tree as compared 
with one in a weakly condition. Do not hurry the fruit during the process of 
stoning ; a night temperature of about 60° will be sufficient at this stage. Keep 
the foliage clean and healthy ; water the inside borders ; syringe, and make the 
most of sun-lieat at closing-time. 
Pines: Those in fruit require a temperature of about 80°, with an increase of 
10° during sunshine : water freely, syringe the plants when the house is closed 
in the afternoon, to keep up the requisite moisture. Attend to the linings of 
those growing in dung-pits. Water the plants if dry ; and if any were not 
shifted last month, no time should be lost in getting them repotted, using a mixture 
of free turfy loam and rotten manure ; do not press the soil too firmly in the pots ; 
syringe these plants if the weather is fine, but do not give much water at the 
root, till they begin to grow, and avoid a current of air through the pit. 
Figs: Pinch out the points of the young growth, and keep the shoots from 
being overcrowded ; mulch old trees with rotten manure, and water the borders, 
increase the night temperature in the early house, but do not allow it to exceed 
65°, with arise of 10° through the day ; syringe the trees at closing-time. Those 
in pots should be well supplied with water till the fruit is ripening. 
Cherries: Keep the trees well syringed while the fruit is swelling; give also 
plenty of water at the root. When the fruit has stoned, and is beginning to 
