488 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
June  9,  1898. 
May,  root  freely  in  a  moderately  heated  propagating  frame.  Care  must 
be  taken  to  shade  them  from  bright  sunshine,  as  if  they  droop  at  all  it 
checks  them  considerably,  besides  helping  to  destroy  the  lower  foliage. 
When  well  rooted  the  young  plants  should  be  shifted  into  large  or 
small  Go’s,  and  when  well  established  gradually  hardened,  and  placed  in 
a  house  or  pit  with  a  temperature  of  about  55°.  After,  they  have  well 
filled  their  pots  with  roots,  give  a  final  shift  into  5  or  6-inch  pots, 
according  to  the  size  most  useful  to  the  individual  grower.  They  should 
not  be  allowed  to  become  root-bound  before  this  is  done,  as  it  will  cause 
them  to  start  into  flower  before  they  are  required. 
After  the  final  pots  have  become  full  of  roots  liberal  supplies  of  water 
are  required,  and  a  little  soot  given  occasionally  improves  the  appearance 
of  the  foliage.  The  compost  I  have  seen  employed  successfully 
was  a  mixture  of  good  loam,  leaf  soil,  and  well  decomposed  manure  in 
equal  proportion,  with  a  free  sprinkling  of  sand.  If  the  plants  are 
grown  for  table  decoration  it  is  advisable  to  stop  them  twice  during  the 
season  ;  if,  on  the  other  hand,  they  are  intended  for  ornamenting  the 
conservatory  or  flow'er  house,  they  will  be  found  more  useful  if  allowed 
to  grow  naturally. — S.  S. 
The  Kitchen  Garden. 
“  Sejiper,”  on  page  378,  April  28th,  writes  under  the  above  heading, 
and  disjdays  a  lamentable  conception  of  the  utility  of  so  important  a 
section  of  horticultural  practice — that  of  outdoor  vegetable  and  fruit 
culture.  Woe  for  the  future  fame  of  British  gardeners  if  all  had 
“  Semper’s  ”  contracted  experience.  Does  he  intend  to  hug  the  glass 
houses  till,  by  age,  he  deems  himself  fit  for  head-gardenership  ?  Scotch 
lads  would  feel  somewhat  insulted  if  his  article  applied  to  them,  but 
happily  it  cannot. 
Scotch  gardeners  enjoy  the  reputation  of  being  the  best  in  the  world, 
and  the  reason  must  now  be  apparent  to  Southerners.  Young  Scotch 
gardeners  are  practically  trained  in  the  outdoor  section  of  garden  work, 
plus  experience  in  glass  houses.  If  it  were  otherwise  they  would  feel  like 
tradesmen  who  have  but  half  learned  their  business. 
How  confined  must  be  the  views  and  reasonings  of  purely  glass  house 
gardeners.  Note  what  ‘‘  Semper  ”  says  : — “  By  taking  a  turn  round  the 
garden  each  evening  we  shall  obtain  a  thorough  insight  into  kitchen 
gardening.”  “  Thorough  !  ”  ■  Could  we  be  masons  or  joiners  worthy  of 
the  name  by  each  evening  making  inspection  of  a  day's  work  ?  What  of 
soil  surface  dustings,  which  are  raked  in  previous  to  seed  sowing,  as 
preventives  of  insect  attacks  ?  In  laying  Box  edging,  what  of  the 
methods  in  securing  proper  levels  and  reforming  inequalities  ?  Perhaps 
the  opportunity  may  not  have  occurred  whereby  such  men  as  “Semper” 
could  obtain  experience  in  this  department,  but  “where  there’s  a  will 
there  s  a  way.”  Our  faith  in  the  chances  of  women  gardeners  is  now 
strengthened. — A  Young  Scot. 
To  “  T.  P.”  AND  Fellow  Craftsmen. 
As  one  of  the  gold  penmen,  I  wish  to  thank  “  T.  P.”  and  others  for 
their  congratulations,  of  which  I  have  received  many.  I  need  hardly  say 
how  much  1  prize  the  pen,  and  the  Editor’s  letter  accompanying  it. 
“T.  P.’s  observations  respecting  the  unsuccessful  contributors,  and  his 
review  of  young  men’s  work  and  studies,  have  set  me  thinking.  I  agree 
with  him  that  recreation  is  necessary,  but  let  us  be  moderate.  If  we  are 
as  eager  to  rise  at  4  a.m.  to  thin  Grapes  as  some  young  fellows  are  for  a 
morning  swim,  no  harm  will  be  done.  I  have  no  patience  with  those  who 
excuse  themselves  because  they  cannot  write  a  short  article  on  gardening. 
If  they  cannot  do  this,  they  cannot  write  a  letter  properly,  and  men  who 
cannot  do  this  in  these  days  are  lightly  regarded.  They  should  learn. 
I  am  well  aware  that  in  many  places  work  is  heavy,  and  the  young 
gardener  finds  little  leisure.  I  also  believe — with  that  worthy  contributor, 
Mr.  D.  Buchanan — in  the  old  adage,  “  "Where’s  there's  a  will  there’s  a 
way.”  There  are  many  I  daresay  who  contribute  to  the  “  Domain  ”  at  a 
greater  disadvantage  than  those  “  T.  P.”  mentions.  I  am  acquainted  with 
one  who  not  only  works  hard  all  day,  but  is  to  be  seen  doing  anything 
that  is  pressing  in  his  own  time.  This  young  gardener  has  the  bothy  to 
keep  clean  and  cook  his  food  in  his  own  time,  and  yet  he  finds 
time  for  the  creditable  use  of  the  pen.  It  is  not  surprising  that  he  gets 
through  so  much  work,  for  his  motto  is  “  Dogged.  ’  IMen  who  can 
write  an  intelligent  letter,  and  who  are  not  afraid  of  work,  but  who 
glory  in  it,  no  matter  of  what  kind,  are  the  men  to  make  their  mark  in 
gardening,  not  those  who  are  adepts  at  picking  a  “winner”  or  scoriner 
a  “  century.” 
We  are  constantly  hearing  about  men  who  by  sheer  hard  work, 
perseverance,  and  strict  attention  to  duty  gain  for  themselves  good  and 
responsible  positions.  gWhy  not  let  us  follow  their  example  ?  First  of  all 
have  an  aim.  Resolve  to  do  our  duty,  and  work  hard  and  well.  Never 
heed  the  sluggards  and  dandies  who  may  poke  fun  at  us.  We  have  our¬ 
selves  to  blame  if  we  do  not  pass  them  in  the  race  of  life.  Dogged 
perseverance  will  sooner  or  later  win  for  us  a  coveted  position.  Let  us 
not  worry  if  we  do  not  receive  praise  tor  our  work,  but  be  content  if  no 
complaints  are  made.  Read  all  we  can  relating  to  our  calling.  Make 
copious  notes  on  anything  that  may  be  useful  later  on.  Be  methodical. 
“  One  thing  at  a  time,  and  that  done  well,  is  a  very  good  maxim,  as  many 
can  tell.”  During  periods  of  pressure  let  us  be  the  first  to  offer  to  work 
overtime.  If  we  have  a  real  love  for  our  work  no  task  will  seem  hard,  but 
pleasurable.  Let  us  show  that  gardening  is  not  likely  to  “  decay,” 
through  the  next  generation  being  wanting  in  energy  or  intelligence. 
And  now  a  word  to  intending  and  unsuccessful  contributors.  Follow 
the  rides  laid  down  for  “  Domain  ”  writers  in  every  particular.  They 
will  be  found  in  the  Journal  of  Horticulture,  December  31st,  1896.  A  copy 
can  be  had  for  3Jd.,  and  every  young  gardener  should  obtain  and  preserve 
it.  Keep  your  MS.  clean.  Express  yourself  in  the  simplest  language 
possible.  Do  not  be  discouraged  if  you  cannot  write  an  article  straight 
off,  but  write  and  rewrite,  revise  and  re-arrange  until  you  are  satisfied  it 
is  creditable.  Keep  a  copy  of  all  MS.  sent  in,  so  that  if  you  have  made 
mistakes  you  will  then  see  how  to  avoid  them  in  your  ensuing  com¬ 
position. — Nil  Desperandum. 
[Very  good  counsel,  but  it  should  be  remembered  that  some  con¬ 
tributions  are  shortened,  not  because  of  imperfections,  but  to  adapt  them 
to  available  space.  At  the  same  time,  some  free  penmen  are  prone  to 
indulge  in  a  redundancy  of  words.  The  “  rules  ”  alluded  to  should  be 
carefully  studied.] 
Go  Ahead,  Boys  I 
I  have  been  inspired  to  write  a  few  words  to  the  “  Domain,”  and  if 
my  attempt  is  a  poor  one  I  shall,  no  doubt,  have  a  chance  to  improve.  In 
my  opinion,  men  who  constantly  strive  for  excellence,  educationally  and 
professionally,  are  the  most  likely  to  reach  the  “  top  of  the  tree  ”  in 
gardening.  Of  course  some  must  fail,  but  that  only  teaches  others  a 
lesson.  Go  ahead,  boys  !  and  leave  no  stone  unturned  to  attain  the 
height  of  your  ambition.  Do  not  be  disheartened  by  the  wails  of  some 
who  have  not  done  so  well  as  we  would  wish.  Take  my  advice,  keep 
going  ahead,  and  if  you  fail,  then  you  will  have  the  consolation  of  having 
done  your  duty  ;  if  you  hang  back  because  of  so-called  poor  prospects 
you  are  sure  to  fail.  Some  are  pining  because  our  old  aristocracy  are 
not  so  well  able  to  keep  up  gardens  as  formerly  ;  but  I  venture  to  think 
the  merchant  princes  of  Britain  are  moie  than  making  amends  for  the 
unfortunate  falling  off  indicated.  Neither  premiums  nor  examinations 
will  exterminate  the  “  go-ahead  ”  man  ;  he  usually  comes  to  stay. — 
J.  G.  "W. 
Unsuitable  Communications. 
"While  generally  the  contributions  to  this  column  are  highly  credit¬ 
able  to  the  writers  of  them,  we  still  receive  several  that  cannot  be 
inserted.  Those  written  on  both  sides  of  the  paper  are  wholly  inadmis¬ 
sible,  while  some  are  too  closely  written  for  revision,  including  one  from 
“  Multum  in  Parvo.”  The  wwiter  of  the  only  letter  we  have  in  hand 
from  North  lYales  must  not  take  it  amiss  on  being  informed  that  he  has 
chosen  a  subject  which  very  few  experienced  men  can  treat  satisfactorily, 
and  it  will  be  better  for  himself  and  others  if  he  confine  himself  to 
records  of  experience  in  practical  work.  It  is  difficult  to  find  room  for 
articles  in  this  column  which  exceed  500  words.  It  would  be  mutually 
advantageous  if  our  promising  young  scribes  would  as  nearly  as  possible 
follow  the  advice  that  is  given  in  our  issue  of  December  31st,  1896.  See 
the  remarks  of  “Nil  Desperandum.” 
HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 
Outdoor  Figs. — Attend  to  Figs  growing  freely,  disposing  new  growths 
thinly,  and  rubbing  or  cutting  off  those  shoots  which  are  superfluous, 
owing  to  want  of  space.  Shoots  are  laid  in  now  with  a  view  to  their 
bearing  fruit  next  season.  If  well  exposed  to  light  and  air  the  leaves 
will  have  a  good  chance  of  doing  their  work,  and  the  wood  must  become 
gradually  matured.  The  growths  of  this  season’s  bearing  shoots  must  be 
allowed  to  extend  several  leaves  beyond  the  fruits  before  stopping.  The 
current  year’s  wood  requires  no  stopping,  but  abundance  of  space  to 
develop.  Growths  starting  from  old  wood  in  various  parts  of  the  trees 
are  not  usually  required  for  laying  in,  being  of  a  coarse  sappy  character. 
They  ought  to  be  rubbed  off  early  if  they  appear. 
Strawberries. —  One  of  the  best  stimulants  for  Strawberries  at  the 
present  time  is  liquid  manure,  applying  it  round  the  plants  over  the 
mulching,  which  it  is  assumed  has  been  placed  between  the  rows  of  all 
fruiting  plants.  The  production  of  runners  must  be  regulated,  thinning 
out  the  weakest,  and  preventing  overcrowding,  especially  if  it  is  necessary 
to  propagate  new  stock  shortly.  All  the  runners  should  be  removed  from 
young  plants  which  are  not  fruiting  this  season. 
Currants. — Red  and  White  Currants  have  grown  sufficiently,  so  that 
the  side  shoots  may  be  stopped  at  the  third  joint.  The  operation  will 
reduce  the  foliage  and  admit  light  and  air,  benefiting  the  basal  buds  as 
well  as  the  developing  racemes  of  fruit.  Currants  appreciate  mulchings 
of  rich  manure  and  frequent  soakings  of  sewage  when  a  liberal  crop  is 
hanging,  as  the  roots  are  actively  appropriating  food  from  the  soil. 
Black  Currants  are  best  left  alone  as  regards  pruning,  but  a  mulch  over 
the  roots  and  liquid  nourishment  are  of  great  benefit  to  the  fruit. 
Plums  and  Cherries. — Vacant  spaces,  if  any,  should  be  filled  with 
vigorous  young  growths  laid  in  at  full  length.  Superfluous  foreright 
shoots  may  be  shortened  at  the  third  full-sized  leaf,  this  encouraging  the 
formation  of  spurs.  As  the  growths  of  young  trees  extend,  lay  in  the 
shoots  at  the  required  distance,  but  avoid  overcrowding.  Insects  may  be 
kept  in  check  by  frequent  .syringing,  either  with  clear  water  forcibly 
applied  with  the  syringe  or  garden  engine,  or  a  prepared  solution  of  soft- 
soap,  quassia  chips,  or  Gishurst  compound.  Severe  attacks  of  aphides 
often  indicate  that  the  soil  about  the  roots  is  not  in  a  moist  condition. 
Apricots,  Peaches,  and  Nectarines. — Continue  to  lay  in  successional 
shoots,  selected  from  the  base  of  the  fruiting  wood  or  other  suitable 
