HOME GARDEN

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 24875, 22 April 1944, Page 4

HOME GARDEN

DIGGING VACANT SOIL TIME FOR PLANTING SHRUBS IIY KEPOS Ground is rapidly becoming vacant as crops are being harvested and should be dug as early as Possible, mixing in manure or compost where this Is available. After digging give the ground a surface dressing of lime if the land is in need of it. Autumn cauliflowers should be pr 0 . tected in frosty districts by breaking some leaves over the curds as t'aev mature. Where a new asparagus bed is intended, the site should be chosen preferably in an open part of the garden. Good drainage is essential and a liberal quantity of manure should be incorporated while burned earth and ashes from the rubbish fires will greatly improve heavy soils. When trenching the bed take care to remove all perennial weeds and keep the top spit or soil on the surface The leaf mining maggot is present in the celery crop, especially where no spraying has been carried out. If the attack is a mild one, the affected parts can be picked off and burned. Chives and the usual perennial herbs can be lifted and divided now with advantage; they will then form good tufts by spring. Leeks will appreciate a soaking with liquid manure where the plot has not been liberally manured.

Look over the potatoes at frequent intervals. The prompt removal of infected tubers is essential. Remove all decaying leaves from winter greens so that light and air can circulate among the plants. Plant cabbage for sprin" use and sow a few broad beans. ° In the flower garden the planting of bulbs should be completed by getting in the tulips. The planting of flowering shrubs can be done from now o n This will give_ them an opportunity to become established before next se'asoa when they are to flower. Where the gladioli have not.been lifted, this should be done at once. It is a good plan to discard straight away any that are showing signs of disease as they are likely to infect others while in store. Primroses and polyanthus can bg taken from the reserve border s®S planted in their flowering positions, Many plants can be rejuvenated b; i topdressing or fresh soil; the heath? are notable examples. Where the plaats are straggly, peg down soma of the branches to make a nice specimen.

BOOKS OF TFE DAY REVIEWS IN BRIEF "A Bell for Adano," a novel by Mr. John Hersey, is the latest work of a brilliant young American foreign correspondent who already has two excellent. war books to his credit, "Men on Bataan" and "Into the Valley.'-' The theme of the novel is right up to the minute. Into Adano, a town in Italy occupied by the American forces, comes a major and his small staff on the heels of combat troops. The major's job is rehabilitation by military government. He is a conscientious ItalianAmerican and, one would think, just the man for the job. But what difficulties were there. Mr. Hersey is a grand storyteller. His first-hand knowledge and gift of character-drawing aid him in giving us a book as real as life itself. (Alfred A. Knopf, New York.) Child Guidance "The Theory and Technique of Child Guidance,'* by Mr. P. H. Cook, is a publication of the Australian Council for Educational Research through t'ns Melbourne University Press. The author covers this important field of apDlied psychology in six comprehensive chapters. His" subject is of prime interest and importance. Its theory and method arose out of the need for a scientific attack on the problems of juvenile delinquency, but have ended in a mncn wider and more positive usefulness. Dr. Cook addresses himself mainly to educationalists. Australia and America It is not generally known that Spanish sea voyages from the American coasts in the sixteenth century form the first link in the chain of the discovery of Australia. Beginning with this surprising fact. Dr. Greenwood, of Sydney University, has produced an admirablydocumented studv on the relations between the two continents over the last three centuries. The social importance and international significance of _suca a work at such a time is obvious. "Earlv American-Australian Relations | to 1830." (Melbourne University Press.) Romance Behind the Scenes The background of the running of a great hotel interests most people, and this is present in "So Much to Give, bv Laura Whetter. Penny, who gets a post as "floor housekeeper,", has a big task to hold her own. The manager is decidedlv difficult, and the last person likely to be involved in a romance--but Laura Whetter gradually makes this change in character and outlook, helped by her sympathetic Penny; and what is more the story carries convicj tion. (Ward. Lock.) ■ -