THE GARDEN.

Otago Witness, Issue 1762, 29 August 1885, Page 7

THE GARDEN.

ANSWI3RS TO CORRESPONDENTS. lifQVinEn.— Glasne\cr is the name of the Royal Botanic Garden near Dublin. The date of its Institution is 175 M, when it was founded by the Royal Dublin Society. The grounds, in addition to liavinj; many great natural advantages, have also nsbociiitions oi a historic character connected with ( hem. as many of the great poets and authors of a turmcr age often met and resided there. In the nmUiir ot cuiators, these gardens have had men ot high botanical ability, and with the aid of grants from the British Government they now occupy a foremost position, being justlycelebrated tor " their e.\tt-nsive and varied area and their richness in vegetation, both temperate and tropical." The structures within the grounds are most important, including a palm house costing about £5000, a tern house and plant houses costing considerably more. Amati-.uk.— Double grafting of fruit Ueesis a common practice, and is usually attended with beneiicial icsults. The quality ot the fruit and size are both improved, and its keeping properties are also increased. A judieions selection ot the sorts to be worked on is, however, necessary, and this is

only arrived at by practical men who have at com-

niiiiid many of I lie best varieties all true to name. Insects.— Both mercury and arsenic are used for the destruction of insects posts, nnd their action is certain'; as both,, however, are very dangerous to animal life as well, it is prudent to resort to less

dangerous applications. 11. S.— Gas-water- as procured from the works is rather bulky for taking to a distance ; would strongly recommend , you to obtain sulphate of ammonia and dissolve it in water in the proportion of a teaspoonful to a gallon. There will not be much difference in the cost, and as wo understand it is now manufactured at the Gasworks, Dunedin, we would recommend you to apply to Mr Giaham, the manager, who will furnish all particulars as to cost and the quantity in which it may be there obtained.