224 
March  10,  Ih'Ji). 
.1011  UN AL  OF  nOUTTCULTUJiF  AND 
COTTA  OF  a  A  liJJFNFIL 
runners,  and  also  fiiio  trusses  for  fruit.  Runners,  too,  which  are  taken 
from  youn('  plants  are  not  drawn  in  their  early  stages  by  a  mass  of 
surrounding  foliage*.  'I’his  is  a  matter  of  importance,  as  if  weakened 
and  drawn  during  I  he*  first  weeks  after  becoming  plants  they  cannot 
form  robust  and  fruitful  crowns  in  the  short  season  during  which  they 
must  lie  perfectt'fl  and  matured.  Runners,  then,  must  be  rooted  early, 
under  full  e.xpoHure  to  light  and  air,  so  that  (In-y  become  dwarf  sturdy 
plants,  with  the  leaves  s|iread  hori/.ontally,  inslead  of  tall  plants  with 
upright  leaves  and  seitii-blanched  jietioles. 
'I'here  are  various  ways  of  rooting  the  runners,  and  with  the  object  of 
gaining  time  and  saving  labour  some  growers  peg  them  direct  into  their 
truiting  pots,  on  the  principle  of  preventing  a  check  by  subsequent 
potting.  'I'hls,  however,  is  not  considered  the  best  [ilan,  for  two  reasons 
— namely,  the  soil  must  be  made  so  firm  that  the  roots  are  not  emitted 
freidy  and  ([uickly  ;  and  because  when  the  pots  are  necessarily  spread 
over  a  largo  space  of  ground,  watering  cannot  bo  done  carefully,  with  the 
result  that  the  soil  in  some  pots  will  be  too  dry,  and  in  others  insy 
become  sour  by  extreme  wet.  It  is  better  to  layer  the  runners  in  small 
pots,  of  modcratedy  firm  but  rich  light  soil,  composed  of  equal  parts  of 
loam  and  sweet  decayed  manure,  with  an  addition  of  crushed  charcoal. 
HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 
Protecting  Wall  Trees.  Althougti  actual  protection  is  not  needed  by 
Apricot,  I’eacli  or  Nc-ctarine  trees  until  the  blossoms  expand,  it  is  desirable 
that  the  material  for  doing  so  be  in  readiness  and  arranged  so  that  it  is 
readily  available. 
I'rotectiiKj  with  Uwrfams.— When  the  fruit  wall  is  provided  with  a  coping 
of  projecting  wood  or  glass,  there  is  something  on  which  to  hang  the 
projecting  material.  This  may  consist  of  woollen  netting,  frigi  domo, 
tiffany  or  canvas.  Whatever  material  is  used,  brass  or  iron  rings  shoulil 
be  sewn  to  the  ujipcr  edge,  and  then  the  (uirtains  may  be  run  on  iron  rods 
fixed  on  the  front  of  the  coping.  This  will  keep  it  clear  of  the  trees  and 
enable  it  to  bo  drawn  wn  one  side  when  not  in  use.  It  must  he  properly 
■ecurtid  at  the  bottom,  or  it  may  be  blown  against  the  trees  and  do  damage. 
'J’he  best  arrangement  is  effected  by  means  of  an  iron  rod  attached  U 
short  uprights  fixed  in  the  ground.  Temporary  security  may  be  employed, 
and  the  blinds  or  curtains  drawn  up  to  the  coping  when  not  in  use. 
Polo  ArrarKjevients. —  In  the  absence  of  a  coping,  long  poles  may  be  laid 
from  the  ground  to  the  wall  in  front  of  the  trees.  On  them  str<  tch  the 
jirotecting  muterial,  which  may  consist  of  canvas  or  tiffany.  The  material 
may  be  fixed  on  the  poles,  which  should  be  movable,  or  the  poles 
temporarily  fixed  and  the  protection  removable.  The  latter  is  usually 
the  better  plan,  but  if  netting  is  used  neither  it  nor  the  supports  need  be 
interfered  with. 
Fisk  Nettini/. — It  is  very  important  that  all  protection  should  hang  clear 
of  the  trees.  If  the  ordinary  stone  co|)ing  projects  sullici*  iitly  it  may  be 
enough  to  allow  a  double  or  treble  thickness  of  fish  netting  to  depend 
from  it.  Pish  netting  is  good  prot(*clion,  and  has  the  advantage  of  not 
needing  removal  until  protection  is  no  longer  necessary.  It  admits  light, 
and  free  ventilation  is  insured. 
Other  Means  of  Protection. —  I’ranchcs  of  evergreen  or  deciduous  trees 
may  sometimes  be  conveniently  used  inslead  of  more  elaborate  materials. 
Hornbeam,  Rirch,  and  Hazel  of  a  twiggy  character  are  thus  employed, 
placing  them  behind  main  branches  to  hang  over  the  blossoms.  'I'hcy 
should,  however,  only  be  utilised  when  it  is  impossible  to  protect  with 
anything  better. 
Outdoor  Figs — P'ig'i  on  walls  may  now  be  pruned  and  nailed.  'I'hin 
out  the  shoots  where  they  are  crowded,  and  allow  those  remaining  to  be 
at  lull  lengtb.  Where  it  is  intended  to  plant  young  trees,  the  site  should 
be  well  prepared  and  thorough  drainage  insured.  A  firm  substantial  soil 
is  needed,  one  containing  calcareous  matter  either  naturaMy  or  introduced. 
Lime  scraps  or  old  pla.ster  are  good  additions  to  soils  deficient  in  lime. 
In  the  j)ie[)aration  of  the  soil  avoid  the  use  of  manure,  as  it  will  cause 
growth  ol  loo  strong  character. 
If  maiden  tree's  are  planted,  shorten  the  leading  stem  to  l.’i  inches. 
One  growth  on  each  side  may  extend,  these  to  be  shortened  the  following 
year  and  two  shoots  allowed  from  each,  (live  them  jdenty  of  room  so 
that  lateral  or  side  shoots  may  have  room  for  extension,  training  them  at 
full  length.  Ry  shortening  some  of  these  each  season,  there  will  always 
be  a  supply  of  successional  shoots  for  fruiting  the  following  year.  The 
old  bearing  wood  ought  then  to  be  shortened  closely  in,  to  |irovide  otfier 
young  shoots,  which  it  freely  exposed  to  light  and  air  bec<.ime  thoroughly 
well  ripened  and  fruitful. 
Strawberries.  —  my  Plantimj. — 'The  planting  of  strong  young  plants 
ought  now  to  bo  brought  to  a  conclusion,  esjiecially  with  thosi-  whicfi  have 
no  soil  attacdied  to  their  roots.  .M(^ved  from  one  part  of  the  garden  to 
anotlier,  they  cun  be  lilted  and  jilanlcd  v/ithout  (‘ausing  any  <'beck,  but 
plants  from  other  sources  have  to  le-establish  ihi'inselves  ;  hence  in  plant- 
ing,  let  the  roots  be  carefully  spread  out,  covered  with  soil  and  made  firm, 
and  if  the  ground  is  ver}’  dry,  apjily  water. 
Mulchiwj. — T'he  spring  application  of  long  littery  and  short  manure 
combined  may  be  commenced.  'I’he  old  exhausted  mulching  applied  the 
previous  autumn  must  be  carefully  raked  off,  removing  at  the  same  time 
deep  rooting  weeds  and  old  discoloured  foliage.  Apply  a  liberal  dressing 
of  tlie  manure,  for  by  the  lime  the  f  ruit  ii  ripe  the  strawy  portion  will 
have  become  bleacfied  and  clean,  and  the  solid  portion  reduced  in  bulk  by 
the  washing  into  the  soil  of  its  soluble  constituents. 
Planting  Fruit  Trees  and  Bushes.  It  is  not  too  late  yet  to  plant  srnne 
of  tfie  smulier  sized  fruit  trees,  including  b'ishes  such  as  fjurrants  and 
Gooseberries.  'These  are  usually  well  furnished  wiib  fibrous  rrmts,  and 
therefore  move  well  and  uro  soon  re-established.  J'laiit  on  previously 
prepared  well  firmed  ground.  Spread  out  the  roots  in  wide  holes,  btake 
and  tie  securely  the  standards,  as  well  as  others  which  need  it.  J^astly 
mulch  the  siirfaci;  with  littery  manure.  I'rurie  the  shoots  half  v/ay  back 
or  more  if  weakly,  selecting  [irominent  wood  buds. 
Preparing  Trees  for  Grafting. — 'The  branches  of  large  old  trees  short¬ 
ened  some  time  ago,  should,  just  previously  to  grafting,  be  again  cut  back, 
BO  as  to  secure  fresh  clean  portions  of  bark  for  the  insertion  of  grafts. 
Smaller  trees  may  have  the  head  of  the  stocks  sawn  oil  at  the  time  of 
grafting.  Heions  must  be  kept  dormant  in  moist  soil  m  a  shady 
until  wanted. 
FRUIT  FDRCING. 
Cherry  House.  When  the  fertilisation  of  the  blossoms  has  \yAni 
effectual,  the  (Rierries  will  be  seen  swelling  at  the  base  of  the  decayed 
flowers,  then  syringing  may  be  resumed  once  a  day  at  present,  and  twice 
a  day  after  the  remainder  of  the  flowers  are  cast  and  the  w*  alher  is  clear 
and  warm.  Artificial  warmth  will  only  be  necessary  to  prevent  the 
tem[>eralure  falling  below  dO'"’  at  night,  and  to  maintain  .V/'  as  a  minimum 
by  day.  Ventilate  at  50'’,  closing  at  the  same,  regulating  the  ventilation 
according  to  circumstanceK,  but  not  allowing  a  rise  above  d-o'"  without  full 
air.  If  green  aphides  appear  fumigate  the  house,  and  keep  a  sharp  look 
out  for  black  aphis,  assailing  it  on  its  first  appearance  with  tobawo  water 
apjdied  with  a  brush  to  the  affi-cled  parts.  '1  lie  foliage  must  be  dry  when 
fumigation  is  practised.  Keep  a  strict  look  out  for  grubs.  Htoppirig  will 
soon  require  attention.  Pirich  out  the  points  of  the  growths  w.heri  they 
have  made  4  fo  5  imhes  of  growth,  removing  thosii  shoots  not  required. 
'Train  extensions  in  their  full  lenglfi,  also  thoMj  for  filling  vacant  spaces. 
Overcrowding  must  }h‘.  strictly  guarded  against,  it  being'  [/rejudicial  f^rth 
to  the  present  and  future  crojis. 
Peaches  and  Nectarines.  -Aar///  Fonxd  Tices.-  Ari<quable  terripera- 
ture  is  desirable  during  the  stoning  princess.  With  to<j  iriuch  fn-at  at 
night  the  trees  are  deprived  of  rest,  and  this  is  not  fav(>urable  to  the  fruit  ; 
cold  and  drying  draughts  in  the  daytime  are  even  more  injurious,  a 
sudden  change  sometimes  proving  fatal  to  the  crop,  (Continue  llie  night 
temperature  at  to  <jrp,  also  in  dull  weather  in  the  daytime,  but  7b''  to 
T.'i"  with  gleams  of  sun,  ventilating  from  bo'.  Attend  to  thinning  the 
fruit  betimes.  It  is  not  arlvisahle  to  leave,  during'  the  sUming  pror^jss, 
more  than  twice  the  number  of  fruits  that  are.  to  remain  for  trie  crop. 
One  fruit  to  eai.di  squari;  foot  of  trellis  covered  witfi  foliage  is  ample  lor 
the  large  I'eachei-,  and  the  rnediiim-sized  varieties  may  be  left  a  little 
cloHCT.  Nectarines  being  smaller  than  Tituchcs,  are  ofum  left  much  too 
close,  which  reduces  the  size  of  the  fruit  proportionately,  whereas  Insecure 
fine  fruits  they  require  thinning  similar  to  Teaches. 
Secure  all  the  Bhoots  required  for  extension  and  nextyear’n  Is.-aririg 
to  the  trellis  as  ihey  progress,  stopping  any  gross  su'-cessional  growths  at 
a  length  of  about  1.5  inches.  If  tlie  stopping  results  in  laterals  pinch 
ihe-m  at  the  first  leaf,  and  so  on  as  produecd.  If  extension  is  wanUrd  the 
uppermost  laterals  may  he  trained  in.  I'lrich  lat^-rals  on  extensions  t" 
one  leaf,  and  succeeding  growths  to  one  joint.  H  the  trees  are  in  g'lod 
order  there  will  be  little  necessity  for  stopping  tlie  shoots  if  they  are 
allowed  space  for  development  of  the  f'lhage  to  solidify  the  wood  as 
made.  Hhools  retained  to  attract  tlie  i-ap  to  the  fruit  should  be  stopj/ed 
to  one  leaf,  they  having  previously  been  pinched  in  the  first  growth  at 
the  second  or  third  leaf.  Avoid  stimulating'  the  trees  while  stoning,  hut 
ulTord  due  supjilies  of  water  and  food  of  a  phosphatic  rather  than  nitro¬ 
genous  nature. 
Fecond  Eurly  Forced  Trees.  Froeeed  with  disbud<lirig,  a  shoot  being 
left  at  the  base  of  the  present  year’s  bearirig  wood  or  last  gear's  young 
wood,  and  one  (/ii  a  level  with  or  above  the  fruits.  'The  first  must  be 
trained  forward,  but  the  latter  should  be  stopped  at  tlie  rermnd  or  third 
leaf.  Uq/on  i  xtensions  leave  young  shoots  at  1.5  to  IH  inches  distance, 
tfie  growtfi  from  the  extremity  being  trained  as  a  eonliriuatiori  of  the 
jirimary  branch.  Uornuience  tying  early,  as  when  the  shoots  are  allowed 
to  grow  considerably  they  cannot  be  brought  down  without  rfanger  of 
breaking.  Overcrowding  must  be  carefully  guarded  against;  it  is 
fatal  to  line  fnglily  coloured  fruits  and  the  formation  and  perfe';lion  of 
the  wood  for  future  crops,  'Thin  the  fruits  by  deg'rees,  leaving  those  well 
jjaeed  up  n  the  upper  side  of  tlie  in  llis  in  sufficient  quantity  for  a  crop, 
or  a  little  more,  until  the  final  thinning  before  stoning'.  In  no  ease  is  ft 
good  practice  to  tax  the  trees  with  superfluous  fruits  afu  r  they  are  the 
size  of  marliles.  A  temperature  of  5.5'  U>  bb''  at  night,  C.i'  by  da)', 
increasing  to  7b“  to  7.5*’  is  suitable, 
Jlwses  Htarled  at  the  lie^inninif  of  Fehruary.  '\'\.r  trees  in  these  have 
set  their  fruits,  or  nearly  so,  and  recourse  must  be  had  to  syringing  in 
the  morning  and  afiernoon  of  tine  days,  hut  an  oe'-asional  sprinkling, 
with  dumping  the  house,  will  sullice  in  dull  weather,  always  ijaving  the 
foliage  and  young  fruit  <iry  belnre  nightfall.  Disbudding  must  be  done 
gradually,  commeiicmg  with  the  most  forward  growths,  also  tfiitiiiing  the 
fruits  att<?r  it  is  seen  which  take  the  lead  in  swelling,  lemovmg  the 
smallest  first,  hut  avoid  )arg<-  reductions  of  foliage  or  of  Ifuii  at  one  time. 
