June  1,  1899. 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AXD  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 
457 
THE  YOUNG  GARDENERS’  DOMAIN. 
Summer  Bedding. 
The  last  week  in  May  is  generally  found  early  enough  to  commence 
bedding  out,  but  much  depends  on  the  climate  of  the  district.  Some  flower 
gardens  are  bleakly  situated,  in  which  case  the  planting  is  better  left  until 
the  first  week  in  June.  No  time,  however,  should  bo  lost  then  in  getting 
the  whole  of  it  completed  by  the  middle  of  the  month,  as  the  weather 
generally  becomes  hotter  about  Midsummer’s  day,  and  the  plants  vvhen 
left  in  pots  demand  incessant  watering,  frequently  become  stunted,  and 
then  do  not  grow  so  readily  as  when  thev  are  planted  in  early  ,I  line. 
If  a  considerable  amount  of  bedding  has  to  he  done,  all  available  hands 
should  be  requisitioned,  so  that  it  may  be  quickly  finished,  and,  provided 
that  the  soil  is  in  proper  condition,  a  week  generally  suffices  to  complete 
the  whole.  Where  spring  bedding  is  done,  the  soil  in  most  cases  will  want 
enriching,  but  judgment  must  be  exercised.  Wallflowers  and  Violas 
impoverish  the  soil  very  much. 
iVhen  the  spring  plants  have  finished  bloomini?,  they  should  be 
promptly  removed,  and  leaf  soil  and  spent  Mushroom  manure  be  dug  into 
the  ground,  and  if  the  soil  is  dry  it  must  bo  watered  about  two  days  prior 
to  planting.  Here  again  care  must  be  exercised,  or  the  planter  will  be 
greatly  handicapped.  Tlie  plants  must  be  thoroughly  watered  the  evening 
before  planting,  if  the  weather  is  dry,  as  they  turn  out  of  pots  and  plant 
better,  in  a  moist  state,  but,  on  the  other  hand,  if  made  too  wet,  the 
ball  of  soil  IS  apt  to  drop  off,  and  the  plant  of  course  is  greatly'  checked. 
If  dry  the  beds  should  be  well  watered  after  being  planted,  then  Dutch- 
hoed  carefully  so  that  iho  surface  may  be  loose. 
All  young  gardeners  should  endeavour  to  make  a  tour  through  the 
London  parks  every  year  about  the  beginning  of  August,  as  the  beds  there 
are  objects  of  great  beauty',  and  of  a  style  not  met  with  in  the  majority 
of  private  establishments,  rersonally,  I  have  spent  many  hours  near 
them,  taking  notes  of  the  different  methods  adopted  in  planting.  The 
greatest  credit  is  due  to  the  able  superintendent  and  staff  for  the  admirable 
and  effective  display  annually  made. — Foreman  X. 
Newly  Planjed  Apricot?. 
The  autumn  is  undoubtedly  the  most  suitable  time  for  planting 
fruit  trees,  and  the  sooner  thhs  operation  is  jrerformed  after  the  fall  of 
the  leaf  the  greater  will  ho  the  probability'  of  satisfactory  growth  in  the 
succeeding  spiing.  In  selecting  trees  the  choice  should  be  given  to  those 
of  perfect  shape  and  with  abundant  fibrous  roots;  they  must  bo 
moderately  strong  in  growth,  but  not  on  any'  account  coarsely  grown,  and 
tap-rooted,  as  these  lead  to  considerable  disappointment.  Every  care 
should  be  exercised  to  prevent  unnecessary  injury'  to  the  roots,  laying 
ovsry  one  out  evenly  and  as  near  the  surface  as  may  bo  convenient. 
The  soil  must  be  in  a  moderately  moist  condition,  but  on  no  account 
should  the  trees  be  planted  if  the  border  be  really  sodden.  Good  soil 
must  be  worked  well  amongst  the  roots,  treading  firmly  as  the  work  of 
filling  in  proceeds,  and  then  sufficient  water  may  be  given  to  settle  the 
soil  round  the  roots.  Then  place  over  the  surface  2  or  3  inches  of  half- 
decayed  stable  manure.  Should  the  weather  be  very  wet,  or  in  the 
■event  of  sharp  frosts,  the  border  will  need  protecting  throughout  the 
winter  season,  but  the  branches  must  only  bo  loosely  attached  to  stakes 
■to  prevent  them  being  blown  about  and  broken  by  the  wind. 
At  the  commencement  of  growth  the  trees  will  demand  frequent 
attention  ;  the  side  shoots  may  be  allowed  to  attain  a  length  of  15  to 
"18  inches,  pinching  the  tips  out  at  this  stage,  leaving  them  at  intervals 
of  9  or  12  inches  along  the  main  brunches.  There  will  perhaps  be  a 
tendency  for  one  side  to  outgrow  the  other,  and  this  must  be  corrected  by 
stopping  and  thinning  the  side  growth  more  freely',  and  in  the  weaker 
parts  allowing  more  freedom  of  growth.  Always  encourage  the  free 
admission  of  light  and  air,  as  each  branch  then  becomes  well  ripened  and 
fruitful,  and  thus  fulfils  its  proper  functions.— F.  W.  G. 
‘[^  WORK-FOUtheWEEK.  ’ 
ijj 
FRUIT  FORCING. 
CFerry  House. — The  crop  generally  being  now  ripe,  consideration 
■must  be  given  to  keep  the  fruits  fresh  so  as  to  prolong  the  season.  Shading 
•will  effect  that,  but  it  is  undesirable  where  the  fruit  is  not  exposed 
directly  to  the  sun,  otherwise  it  will  be  necessary  to  have  recourse  to  it. 
■Only  light  material,  such  as  hexagon  netting,  should  be  used.  Free 
ventilation  must  be  attended  to,  and  in  warm  weather  a  sprinkling  of  the 
-surface  of  the  border  in  the  hottest  part  of  the  day  will  assist  in  keeping 
the  fruit  plump.  The  roots  must  not  be  neglecte-.l  for  water,  us  dryness 
•ij  inimical  to  the  foliage,  and  on  the  preservation  of  this  in  health  depends 
the  proper  formation  of  the  buds  for  the  ensuing  crop  of  fruit. 
Vines. — Where  Grapes  are  hanging  afford  sufficient  wafer  to  the 
inside  borders  to  maint?.in  the  soil  in  a  moist  condition.  No  injury  will 
result  to  the  Graqies  provided  the  atmosphere  is  not  stagnant,  but  air 
must  be  given  more  or  b  ss  constantly'.  When  the  Vines  are  cleared  of 
ripe  fruit  the  foliaee  should  be  cleansed  of  dust  and  red  spider,  employing 
tepid  water,  and  if  necessary  an  insecticide,  as  keeping  the  foliage  clean 
and  healthy  to  the  last  is  imoortant  for  aiding  the  formation  of  buds  for 
another  season.  The  leaves  being  fresh  and  clean  keep  the  laterals  in 
check  by  pinching. 
^  Louses  with  the  Fruit  Spelling. — Although  fire  heat  cannot  be  dispensed 
with  at  night  and  on  dull  cold  days,  much  may  be  done  in  economising- 
fuel  by  closing-  early  on  fine  afternoons.  There  must  be  plenty  oT 
atmospheric  moisture,  but  avoid  a  satiinited  atmosphere  by  a  little  venti¬ 
lation  at  night,  and  increasing  it  early  in  the  morning.  A  moist 
atmosphere  is  essential  to  the  swelling  of  the  berries,  and  it  should  be 
secured  without  stagnation  by  damping  the  floors  and  borders  two  or 
three  times  a  day— in  the  morning,  at  closing  time,  and  before  nightfall. 
Do  not  allow  the  laterals  to  grow  so  as  to  crowd  the  principal  leaves, 
but  keep  them  well  in  hand.  Whcio,  however,  there  is  plenty  of  space 
they  may  be  allowed  to  extend,  yet  not  so  as  to  necessitate  their  removal 
to  a  great  amount  later  on.  The  temperature  should  be  maintained  at 
65  at  nigjit,  or  a  few  degrees  less  on  cold  nights,  70°  to  75°  by  day,  and 
80°  to  85°  from  sun  heat,  allowing  an  advance  to  90°  after  closino-,  or 
early  in  the  afternoon.  Due  attention  must  be  given  to  watering,  not  at 
stated  periods,  but  always  when  it  is  required.  Liquid  manure  or  top- 
dressings  of  feralisers  will  be  necessary  for  the  proper  swcllin"  of  the 
berries,  and  for  the  perfecting  of  the  crops.  But  remember  a”laro-e  or 
excessive  amount  oi  liquid  in  a  soil  does  not  necessarily'  imply  a  corre¬ 
sponding  quantity  of  available  plant  food,  for  the  measure  depends  upon 
the  oxidation  of  the  food  elements  and  the  degree  of  this  on  permeability 
by  air  and  water.  ^ 
Houses  with  the  Grapes  Ripening. — Allow  a  constant  and  liberal  supply 
of  warm,  rather  dry  air;  but  a  gi  nial  condition  of  the  atmospheie  is 
necessary  tor  the  benefit  of  the  foliage,  yet  tlie  air  moisture  must  not  be 
excessive  or  stagnant,  as  it  will  prejudice  the  ripening.  Do  not  neglect 
to  supply  water  at  the  roots,  and  if  nourishment  is  given  it  should  be  of  a 
sweet  nature,  or  the  Grapes  may  be  tainted,  as  they  are  with  lute  applica¬ 
tions  ot  soot  and  other  organic  matter.  If  a  light  mulching  of  sweet 
short  litter  be  applied,  it  will  tend  to  sustain  the  Vines,  and  to  a  more 
equable  moisture  at  the  roots.  A  good  heat  is  necessary’  to  gecure  the 
highest  quality  ;  indeed,  there  is  no  comparison  between  Grapes  that  are 
properly  finished  in  a  rather  warm  and  well  ventilated  atmosphere  and 
those  ripened  in  a  low  and  moist  temperature. 
Grapes  Scalding .—lyluscnia  and  other  varieties  completing  the  stoning 
should  be  carefully  watched  in  hot,  bright  weather  ;  and  in  case  of  scald¬ 
ing  air  must  be  admitted  more  freely,  or  until  ihe  colourirm  commences 
At  that  period  all  danger  will  be  past  as  regards  the  black  varieties  ■  but 
Muscat  of  Alexandria  will  scald  when  well  advanced  in  colour  and ’it  is 
necessary  in  houses  glazed  with  large  panes  of  glass  to  employ  a  slio-ht 
shading,  as  that  of  herring  netting,  over  the  roof-lights  in  very  bright 
periods.  With  Ilamburghs  and  black  Grapes  generally  it  is  different  ■ 
t^hey  colour  best  beneath  a  good  spread  of  foliage,  and" it  is  one  of  the 
best  means  of  avoiding  scalding,  provided  the  supply  of  air  be  bountiful 
by  day  and  a  little  ventilation  left  on  constantly-  at  the  upper  part  of  the 
house,  with  a  genial  warmth  in  the  hot-water  pipes,  increasino-  the  venti 
lation  very  early  in  the  morning.  A  temperature  of  65°  to  7U°  by  artifi- 
cial  means  suffices,  or  a  little  less  for  Ilamburghs.  ^ 
Late  Grn/jes.— Where  the  Vines  are  in  flower  a  constant  supnlv  of 
dry  warm  air  will  further  a  good  set  of  fruit,  the  temperature  beino-  kent 
at  70°  to  75°  by  artificial  means,  and  rising  to  80°  or  90°  with  sun  “  Thin 
the  berries  freely  immediately  they  are  set,  but  this,  in  the  case’  of  the 
shy  setters,  must  be  confined  to  the  removal  of  the  smallest  and  imperfect 
berries  in  the  first  instance,  deterring  the  general  thinninn-  until  the 
properly  fertilised  berries  can  be  detected  by  their  free  swellino-  There 
must  not  be  any  deficiency  of  moisture  at  the  roots  or  of  nourishment 
therefore  afford  liquid  manure  copiously  after  the  Grapes  are  thinned’ 
and  swelling,  or  a  top-dressing  may  be  given  of  some  approved  fertiliser 
distributing  It  evenly  over  the  sur  ace,  and  work  in  moderately  If  the 
weather  be  dry  and  the  soil  light  outside  borders  will  need  watering 
affording  liquid  manure  or  top-dressings  of  chemical  manures  if  the  Vines 
are  not  very  strong  or  are  carrying  a  lull  crop. 
Young  Fmes.— Those  in  pots  for  next  year’s  fruiting  should  be 
stopped  at  8  to  9  feet,  that  length  of  leading  shoot  or  cane  bein- 
sufficient,  and  the  laterals  or  sub-laterals  pinched  at  one  leaf  as  produced'' 
Supernumeraries  in  recently  planted  houses  should  also  have  the  canes 
stopped  at  the  points  named,  the  laterals  and  sub-laterals  being  clocelv 
pinched.  This  will  concentrate  the  energies  of  the  Vines  in  the  ^incinal 
leaves  and  their  buds,  and  is  necessary  tor  those  intended  to  fruit  next 
season.  The  permanent  Vines,  however,  may  be  allowed  to  make  nil 
the  growth  there  is  room  for,  which  should  be  accelerated  by  closino-  (he 
house  early  on  fine  afternoons,  admitting  a  little  air  before  night°and 
increasing  it  early  in  the  morning  of  fine  days.  When  young  Vines 
become  established  they  will  require  abundance  of  water  at  the  roots  yet 
avoid  making  the  soil  sodden  by  needless  applications,  and  sprinkle  the 
paths  and  borders  two  or  three  times  a  day  so  as  to  maintain  a  genial 
condition  of  the  atmosphere.  " 
Business  Announcement.— We  are  informed  that  for  family 
reasons  the  busine.rs  ot  -Mr.  J.  I,  Anderson  has  been  converted  into  a 
limited  company  under  the  style  of  James  T.  Anderson  &  Sons,  Limited 
Messrs.  D.  &  E.  Caird,  who  have  taken  an  active  part  in  the  ma’nagement 
of  the  business  for  some  years,  join  the  directorate,  so  there  will 'be  no 
practical  change  in  the  conduct  or  management  of  the  business  Mr 
J.  T.  Anderson  will  be  the  managing  director.  ‘  ^  ^  • . 
