164 
THR FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. 
a necessity; but I have not deferred the introduction of these go-betweens till 
then, as some are being brought forward yearly. The conversion of a fan- 
trained tree into a horizontal form is somewhat difficult, and more time is 
required to bring about this result than in the former case, as the branches, 
however favourably situated, are too stubborn to be brought into a uniform 
position. Much, then, must be left to the ingenuity of the operator as to how 
this conversion of form is to be managed, for as the phases are varied, so must 
be the application of means. 
The -way in which I have been in the habit of treating subjects of this kind, 
is to snag or cut back the old Avood, so as to produce young growths as near as 
possible to the centre stem, and with the exception of judicious thinning these 
are allowed to grow unrestrained during summer. Towards the end of next 
March or beginning of April, they are then inarched at right angles upon the 
said centre by making an incision just sufficient for admission, and afterwards 
bound up, as is usually practised in grafting. Detached scions may be inserted, 
thus offering the privilege of introducing any other variety; but a union in the 
former case can be depended upon Avith more security than in the latter. 
Should barrenness arise from undue activity among the roots, or an excessive 
accumulation of sap in the branches, the supply must be moderated, root-pruning 
must be adopted. But Avith old trees the inexperienced ought to act cautiously, 
as there is always some amount of danger in dealing Avith subjects of this kind, 
as the roots are for the most part large, they have travelled to a great distance 
and are destitute of fibres, unless at the extremity Avhich involves their removal. 
It would be unAvise to shorten all at once, the operation should extend over 
two consecutive years, first to cut off those in front, and, secondty, at the sides, 
taking care to seA r er every one growing in a downward direction, as these are 
the greatest rogues, and give no end of trouble. The best season to manipulate 
is during the end of September or beginning of October, Avhen the Avood has 
become consolidated and the ground temperature sufficiently high to cicatrise 
the wounds and hasten the production of granulations, from which spongioles or 
young roots are emitted. But the object may be unworthy of so much labour, 
and should it be really so, reject it entirely and give its place to another. 
What I have stated has been derived from direct experience, which may be 
useful to a certain extent,—a statement of facts is never without value, but of a 
higher and trustworthy character, Avhen begotten by our OAA r n researches. Then 
I would say, Let no one sit down at the feet of any instructor, but rather, Avhen 
knowledge lies Avithin the circle of his OAvn observation, aspire to the use of his 
intellect and depend as much as possible upon his OA\ r n investigations. 
The Garden , Toriworth Court. Alexander Cramb. 
OUR STRAWBERRY CROP. 
Complaints reach us from all quarters in this locality of either a partial 
or entire loss of the Strawberry crop. The general salutation is—“ Ho ! 
how are your StraAvberries this season ? for mine are a complete failure.” It 
probably will be of some benefit for growers in general to compare notes, or 
communicate to the public through some of our periodical literature, the kinds 
which have failed and those Avhich have been successful in producing a crop. 
Although my opinion is. that kinds have nothing to do with loss of crop this 
season, last autumn’s drought being the principal cause in the majority of 
cases, at the same time I am obliged to acknowledge that Keens’ Seedling 
and Sir Charles Avere here a complete failure compared with other seasons, 
