HORTICULTURAL CLIPPINGS.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 323, 8 December 1888, Page 5

HORTICULTURAL CLIPPINGS.

Newly planted tkees should be seen to, and anv that have become loosened from the slakes should be securely tied. Mulching', it not already done, should now take place ; thics is performed by placing halfrotted manure, leaves or straw, on the surface of the soil round the stem of each tree, to about a foot beyond the extremities of the roots. This prevents undue evaporation from the soil and plants may be kept,in K fi , healthy, vigorous state of growth by" this ' means, especially if an occasional soaking * of water is given after the mulch has been " applied.

Potato Juice as an Issues Destroyer. — As an insect destioyer the juice of the potato plant is said to be of great value ; the leaves and steins are well boiled in . water, and when the, liquid is cold it is,, sprinkled over plants attacked with insects, when it at once destroys caterpillars, black anu greou flies, gnats, and other enemies to vegetables, and in no way impairs the growth of the plants. A peculiar odour remains, and prevents the insects from coming again for a long 1 time.

Yellow Foliage. —When the foliage of a plant turns yellow, there is something troubling its root. The plant should be ab once removed and thoroughly washed ; it should then be set out in some other portion of the ' garden

Vameties. — It is useless to expect to grow every variety. A few of the best will give ranch better satisfaction and considevj ably more profit.

Garj; of the Orchard. — An orchavdist writes that you must keep an eye on your orchard. Never trust' to providence or a hired hand, for' a careless hand will do'/ moi e damage in an orchard than he will do good. Keep all tramps out of the orchard that are around after jobs of pruning;. Let no man prune in your orcli'ara without 1 you' know he is a skilful hand at the business. '[

Proper Fruit-rooms.— An orchardisfc .of experience says that if cultivators would ■ provide for themselves good fruib-rooms,t which could be kept uniformly cool by &d- \ mitting cold air in cool nights and closing, during warmer days, regulating the temperature with the help of therinonieterBj fine, delicious,, melting pears would be more ' commonly seen, the winter through, and be of more easy attainment. <>

Cider Sweet and Souk. — A correspondent of an American paper wag. for many years , bothered and could never tell whether his ! apple juice was coming: out vineerar or hard * cider. Two years ago he read in an agri* cultural paper that a pound or two of breaddough, pub into a barrel of cider ' would ' make'ib the best of vinegar in a short time. He.found it a complete success, tho'cidet\to w which this was added making ve'iy stWrig, clear vinegar. 'The dough should bepuiunto the barrels after it is kneaded enough'fbr 1 baking.

Watering Flower Beds. — Where flower bed? are to be watered, the . surface 'should be thoroughly loosened and a copious supply of water given toward Evening.- The next" day stir up the surface thoroughly with, a . rake or hoe.< The custom-adopted' by 'most amateur cultivators oLgiving. a i little,' water »! daily .-usually < results "in injuring" the', plants../ »• .•/.,. > ,-,•(!, ' „ 'ui , t,,<

; M'^uius ' ip^, TRoses.— There Is plan^', tihac enjoys'.Vpleniy ,9^ goo'cl/ manure ( hoaor$ than the rose, and a lack- 61; bins will'ahvavS' '1 result in .scras;^y plants , and fpi?erable , blooms.' m.iniire is exceptib'nally^gooa, for roses, e§pooiatty )i whorrredu l cJ9& toa'sd° c V 6oiupos>t f> 1?jlg(in §leu^y' of '.i^ l ai?9v 4(K ftfots, 'a'n'cl especial^ use^ilQiity] 6f.fi<5, t Svf^iv therdseia arefirsfc'pmn'tecT.' 1 > "" < /" ' X