ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 12969, 23 November 1907, Page 7

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

" Amateur."—Yonr bed of asparagus will be heiped by a good soaking of water any time after tho firnt of the month. Several soaking* of water, if the summer is dry, will be most beneficial. Watering..mus s not bo dono during the cutting season. Stop cutting about the end of this month. Roses are much later in coming into bloom this season than last. A yoar a&o they were in full bloom everywhere, and by the first 'week in December were quite spent. Those who purpose exhibiting at the coming show will havo to begin feeding their plants with liquid manure if they desire to have prize blooms. Thinning out the superfluous buds will also have to be undertaken ; otherwise the blooms will-be small. Single-Roses, including Paul's Carmine Pillar and Sinica Anemone, aro making a brilliant display just now. These come into bloom early but make only one display of bloom in tho season. As soon as they havo done flowering. pruning hard back should be undertaken. This will* result in vigorous growths, which produce tho flowers for next season's display. lmiian Azaleas, which have become unshapely in appearance and filled with old growth, can be rejuvenated and made fresh and young looking if the knife is applied to them, and if they are cut well back. It is not generally known that the Azaleas will stand pruning, but experience has proved them to be much benefited by using the knife vigorously whenever they become stunted or crowded with their twiggy growth. After pruning, syringing the stems with water regularly for a few weeks will help them to break into growth. Both green and black fly ore very prevalent this season. Applications of McDougars insecticide at regular intervals will help either to get- rid of "or keep in chock these destructive plant enemies. To got the best results, the spraying should be done during dry weather, end if the insecticide is warmed before using better results aro obtained. The ladybird, which is a natural enemy of these pests, is not yet in evidence this season. When it- makes its appearance later on, both green and black fly will be kept well in check.