THE GARDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10127, 9 May 1896, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE GARDEN.

Dkciduocs trees and shrubs beautity and adorn tho landscape at all seasons of the year with their varying appearance, and form a pleasing contrast to the evergreens. Towards the end of the autumn, and during the early winter months, the rich tints of the mature and ripening foliage of the different varieties render them conspicuous objects, Some aro most gorgeous in their appearance. When tastefully arranged and distributed amongst evergreen trees and shrubs, they relievo the monotony of tho plantation, and greatly add to the appearance and value of the grounds. In addition to all this, the fallen leaves lighten and enrich the soil. Hitherto planters have sadly neglected to include any selection of deciduous subjects in their ornamental plantations. The endless rows of conifers, composed mostly of l'inus insignia, and cupressus macrocarpo, that everywhere abound in our city and suburbs, with their dark, sombru appearance, detract from instead of adding to the beauties of the landscape. Avenues of these conifers are planted along the boundary fence, near the roadside, apparently for no purpose whatever except.to keep the thoroughfare wet and dirty during the winter and obscure the view of the surrounding scenery, which would often be most picturesque were it nob for these unsightly obstructions that form an impenetrable barrier to tho view. But had suitable varieties of deciduous trees been interspersed among the evergreen sorts, they would afford a pleasing contrast, and add to the natural beauties of the landscape besides affording shade from the sun during the hot summer months. The following varieties of deciduous trees are the most remarkable for the rare beauty ot their autumn foliage :—Rhus laciniata is amongst the first to change colour. Tho leaves assume a most brilliant orange scarlet before dropping. The North American tuliptice, Liriodondron tulipiforum, is now most conspicuous, the foliage being of a rich golden yellow colour. This tree can be singled out amongsb all others, on account of tho largo size and shape of tho leaves, and the symmetrical form of the tree, rearing its tall head above tho surrounding objects. Amongst oaks, there are a number of varieties that are remarkable for the ever-varying tints of their autumn foliage, notably the scarlet oak, which is one of the best. The liquid amber or sweet gum is another interesting species, also a native of North America; its acerlike leaves assume a deep purplish crimson colour. The golden ash is nob only remarkable for the colour of the leaves in autumn, bub also for the rich golden colour of the branches and stems after the leaves have fallen. Taxodhim distichura, the dociduous cypress, a largegrowing, spreading tree, with yew-like foliage, is handsome at all seasons, but particularly so in early winter, when its leaves change colour. The upright Lombardy poplar is very noticeable, with its tall pyramidal head. The purple beech is well-known, on account of its distinct dark purple autumn foliage, Galisburia adiantifolia (the maiden hair tree of China). Elms, planes, birches, and many others add to the list, and give ample scope for selection. Several fruit trees are particularly attractive before the leaves drop. Some of tho varieties of the Japanese pear, tho leaves of which become an intense crimson scarlet, when mature ; also, persimmons; the foliage in summer is of a rich, glossy dark green, changing in the autumn, previous to dropping, to various shades of red, crimson, scarlet, and yellow. The fruit of persimmons aro of a beautiful yellow and orange, and form a striking contrast to the foliage, giving the tree a most unique appearance.

/ THE VINERY. Work in this department will now consist in pruning, cleaning, and giving the house a thorough overhaul. Vines that have been forced on for early market should be the first to receive attention. These, if sufficient attention has been paid to them, should now be in a fit condition for pruning. Judgment must, however, be exercised in performing this operation, One of the most important things is to have the wood thoroughly ripened before pruning, for it is well, known by all successful grape-growers

thab the best bunches ' and tho greatest number ate alwaye produced upon the most perfectly matured wood,, The safest time to prune, whether it is early or late varieties, is as soon as the leaves fall naturally from the vines. The sap has then returned, and there is no risk of their bleeding The vines should bo kept dormant as long as possible, as the longer the season of rest they have the better fitted they will be for their next season's work. Later varieties, from which all the fruit have been cut, should have all sob-laterals and all superfluous growths removed, to allow tho free passage of light and air. This will assist to hasten the ripening of the wood. After removing all secondary shoots the vines should be thoroughly dressed, being careful not to injure the old leaves, as perfectly formed buds cannot be secured where they are destroyocl bofore they have completed their function, and fallen naturally from the return of the sap. It is after the grapos are cut that the mealy-bug and other ; pests that infest the vines when carrying j their fruit can be checked. The worst insect pest that the grape-grower has to contend with it is hardly necessary to say is tho mealy bug, although since the introduction of the hydro cyanide process of fumigation many growers have been enabled to keep their lines comparatively freo from this justly-dreaded pest, and as this is a good time to apply the material, I again give a few directions how to apply it. j The gas is generated by dropping cyanide of potassium in a vessel containing sulphuric acid—Joz cyanide of potassium, loz sulphuric acid, and 3oz water, to each 100 cubic feet of space, not more than a supply for 200 cubic feet of space to be placed in each vessel. That is, to every 200 feet of space a plate containing 2oz of sulphuric acid in 6oz of water should be placed ; immediately above this a vessel containing 1J oz of cyanide of potassium should be so arranged that the contents may be turned into the plate without the operator having to go into the house. Tho best and most simplo plan I have seon is to have a number of small wooden boxes permanently arranged along the front and back of the house, each box having a false or sliding bottom, with a wire through to tho outside. In this is placed the cyanide, and immediately below is a soup-plate containing the sulphuric acid. When everything is arranged, it is but the work of a minute to pull out the slide and the work is done. Kepos.