TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 159, 7 July 1899, Page 3

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Narching Vines (W.W.).— This is done to bring a cajie of each variety together, cutting a thin slice off each of precisely the same length and width, and binding the two wounds firmly together, so that they fit exactly. The desirable one is subsequently permitted to grow, whilst all buds are removed from the foster base and beyond, as, owing to the tendency vines have to bleed, it Is best not to cut them back unduly until they are dormant ana leafless in winter. Now is the best time, as the sap will soon begin to rise.

Lemon Growing.—How to Secure Perfect Colour (Amateur). — The manner In which Italian lemons have competed in colonial markets during- the last year or two renders any information respecting the methods adopted by our European rivals of great Interest to New Zealand growers of this fruit. The first thing- to strike anyone Is the uniformly higher price received for the fruit taken from the trees from early in October to, say, the middle of .November, which fairly correspond to me month of June In these colonies. The reason assigned for this is that first cut lemons are possessed of far better keeping qualities, so much so that they may be kept at their destination for months without deterioration. Another reason undoubtedly is the infinitely better colour of the early cut fruit. In general terms, it may be said that the Italian grower does not admit that a lemon can be properly coloured on the tree. A few shaded specimens may attain a fair appearance, but to' have fruit uniformly of the delicate shade of yellow, suffused with palest green, which is considered perfection by connoisseurs, it must be cut before the sun has commenced to colour it in the least.

Newly-planted fruit trees should now have what pruning they require done. Though there are a variety of opinions as to what form of pruning, if any, Is desirable In regard to such, the fact must not be lost sight of that a proper basis for each future tree in accordance with the shape Intended must be laid at this, the starting. Young trees, however shapely they may be in their present state, are In most instances too thickly branched, and this Is more particularly the case as regards both standards and pyramids. Hence it may be necessary to cut out here and there an Inside branch entirely. The youug mains, wl'l on the other hand require shortening back a little lnthe case of the former. Some growers elect to cut buck all the branches upon such severely, with the intention of forcing a stronger growth subsequently. There Is little doubt, however, this doea not conduce to early fruitfulness, and we doubt that lost wood is made up so well as is imagined. Besides, the longevity of planters. Is not such as to cause doubt to exist whether they shall check early fruit fulness, in view of forming, perhaps, larger trees in the distant future. It must not be forgotten, moreover, that existing young branches incite new roots to form below, which is an Important consideration.