260 
THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. 
nearly destroyed all the earliest-ripened berries. By Christmas I anticipate we 
shall have but a small quantity of Holly with ripe berries left for decorative 
purposes. Are Hollies generally loaded with fruit this season ? or are those 
here exceptional as regards the early maturing of their fruit ? 
Wrotham Park. John Edlington. 
DIANTHUS. 
Mr. J. Edlington, of Wrotham Park, writes in the Number for November 
on the value of Dianthus Heddewigii, and I fully agree with him as to its use¬ 
fulness ; but for my own part I have found none to equal Dianthus hybridus, or 
atropurpureus, and the spotted varieties of Dianthus nanus, for standing the 
weather and for general and prolonged flowering. I find that Dianthus Hedde¬ 
wigii is looser in its flowers than the sorts which I name. Nothing can equal 
Dianthus atropurpureus and the beautiful spotted sorts for cut flowers and for 
dressing flower-dishes to stand on tables, they remain so long fresh and stand so 
erect. By sowing early in February, as recommended by Mr. Edlington, they 
will flower till hard frost comes on. I have plenty just now (November 14th), 
in flower. When there is a continued late demand for cut flowers 1 do not 
know of a more advantageous plant. 
Dalmeny Park. Wm. Melville. 
TRANSPLANTING FRUIT TREES. 
To secure satisfactory results in transplanting fruit trees, the following 
important matters require to be carefully attended to:—1st, the Season for 
Planting; 2nd, the Proper Age of the Trees; 3rd, Lifting the Trees; 4th, Pre¬ 
paring the Soil; 5th, the Situation for the Trees; 6th, Planting; and 7th, 
Mulching. 
1st. The Season for Planting. —This is a question respecting which 
there is some difference of opinion even among gardeners. The greater 
number, however, agree that the best season for transplanting fruit trees is the 
autumn, immediately after the fall of the leaf, before the soil lias parted with 
its summer heat. The tree is then in a dormant state. By transplanting at this 
early season, whatever wounds have been made in the roots begin to heal over, 
and sometimes spongioles are protruded, and by the time the spring arrives the 
tree is already somewhat established and ready to commence its growth. In 
mild open weather, planting may be performed throughout the autumn and 
winter, and until late in spring, but early planting—in the autumn—is decidedly 
best, and it should be always done then when possible ; for, though trees may 
be planted at all seasons, except, perhaps, midsummer, and with success wlien 
proper care has been taken in performing the operation and in attending to the 
trees afterwards, still it must be remembered that the sun has great power in 
spring, and drying winds often prevail, which tend to exhaust the young branches 
of trees of their moisture. 
2nd. The Proper Age oe the Trees. —Fruit trees of all sizes and ages 
may be transplanted with considerable success, but where health, vigour, and 
duration are required, young trees are decidedly the best. Young trees of stiff, 
vigorous habit, make wood rapidly, and soon arrive at a state of healthy and 
long-continued productiveness. 
3rd. Lifting the Trees. —This is a very important operation. We must 
always bear in mind that it is by the delicate and tender points of the roots 
that trees take up their food, and our chance of success is lessened by every 
