1S72. ] 
FRUIT CULTURE.—OCTOBER. 
223 
beds of fresb soil, away from that on which the cabbage tribe had grown ‘ blind 5 
the previous season. I have understood that some persons regard this blindness 
as merely the effect of the rapid growth of the plants during the hot and moist 
weather ; but unfortunately for this opinion, the plants were in this state before 
the hot period of several days set in, with the thermometer at from 80° to 84°. 
—J. Wighton, Cossey Park. 
FRUIT CULTURE.—OCTOBER. 
(Ip HE instructions given for the preceding month in the Out-door department 
will to a great extent serve for this. Continue to gather Pears and Apples 
as they become fit, and store away carefully all the fruit. Late Pears 
should be left on the trees as long as the weather continues fine. As a general 
rule, both Pears and Apples should be taken when the fruit parts freely from the 
spur on being gently lifted upwards. Gather Quinces , Medlars , Filberts , and 
Walnuts, when fit. The planting of fruit-trees of all kinds may be proceeded with 
as soon as the leaves begin falling, if the necessary preparations have been made for 
them. Do not forget that thorough drainage is the basis of good cultivation. 
Avoid deep planting. On strong soils with a retentive subsoil it is advisable to 
plant on hillocks raised a little above the surrounding surface, but on light soils 
with a porous subsoil it is better to plant the trees on a level with the surface. 
One great advantage of early planting is, that the roots being still active, and the 
heat in the ground considerable, the trees continue to make fresh roots, and are 
better prepared to meet the wants of the expanding buds in spring. Make fresh 
plantations of Raspberries and Strawberries. 
In-Doors. — Pine plants that are swelling their fruit must have liberal sup¬ 
plies of water, and a warm moist atmosphere. Fire-heat will now be necessary 
to keep the temperature from 65° to 70° by night, and from 75° to 80° by day ; 
air should be given freely in mild weather, always closing up early. The plants 
that are intended to be started in January and February ought now to have 
completed their growth and be allowed to rest; they should have little or no 
water, plenty of air, and a dry atmosphere, and the temperature at night should 
not be less than 60°. Shift any successional plants that require it, and avoid 
crowding them. If the fermenting material is not likely to give sufficient bottom- 
heat during the winter, it should be partially or entirely renewed; a bottom- 
heat of about 80° will carry them safely through the autumn and winter months. 
In fine weather give abundance of air in the forenoon, but always close up early. 
The early Vinery should now be started ; give the inside borders a good soaking 
of water, and cover the outside borders with fermenting materials; very little 
fire-heat will be necessary for a few weeks, except in case of frost; syringe the 
Vines two or three times daily, and keep up a moist atmosphere. Houses contain¬ 
ing ripe grapes must be kept cool and dry ; and in wet weather a little fire-heat 
will be necessary to dry up the damp ; cut off all laterals, and thin out the leaves 
where crowded, to admit air to the bunches. Prune the trees in the early 
