THE EGMONT NURSERY.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 8564, 5 June 1895, Page 3

THE EGMONT NURSERY.

A Visit to Mr James Laird's.

"Everything is very wintry-looking just now," said Mr James Laird, as he aooeded to our request to have a look at his Egmont Nursery, "but I am pleased to say that everything is progressing as well as oould possibly be expected." Naturally we are pleased to hear this, for Mr Xiaird is not only a psiEstaking enthusiast as a nurseryman, but his praotioal knowledge extending ovor such a large number of years, is well wsrth having.

" Well," he continues," " let us have a look at these apple trees. Those are two years old, and I am just sending away 300 to-d»T to the Taraaaki district. Bight? Oh, no ; I am glad to say the trees are not troubled with blight at all this year, but they were slightly affected last year. How many varieties of apples, did you say ? Oh, over 100, and all really excellent specimens. Try some, will you t" We do try them, and endorse the oritioism of a friend, that better eating apples could not be wished for, and we are pleased to ltarn that there is an excellent demand for this suoculent fruit, as also for the cooking varieties. While strolling along we are pointed out in succession cherry and quince trees, stop admiringly to criticise the abnormal size and pretty colouring of the popular Japanese plums (nearly ripe), and are shown a fins photograph (by Martis.) taken of ene particular tree when it was in fall bearing in January last. There are by the way a splendid lot of plums, but the visitor's attention must; be arrested particularly by the orange and lemon trees, all bearing and having most prolific growth. One of the orange trees— rhe Parramatta— is 8 yeais old and is a fine eating variety, while the other — the Seville— is for marmalade making. That splendid variety of nuts >• -the filbert— is also largely grown and we are surprised to hear there is not more demand for it. The strawberries are not grown for fruit, wo are told, bug for plants. By-and-bye, we come to the hedge plantsincluding the barberry and boxthorn, and are shown some thousands of seedless furze, whioh while fanning a most compaob ever* green hedge, does not spread owing to its not seeding. This furze ought to be in great demand, we think, and are told that large orders have already been filled and more constantly coming to hand.

The pines insignis, the maoroparpa, the weeping elm, and ash, magnolia (which promises to be a picture direotly), the oamphor laurel, the wine berry (Yankee production), the Wellingtouia (one of those large pines wanting plenty of space), oaks, elms, and so forth, are all grown, and look sbrong and vigorous. QMxa oriental pl&ae (the same variety as planted on Taupo Quay) is represented by 2000 young shoots whioh are being grown for the Corporation. The fault in years past, Mr Laird says, is that the trees have been put in too young, bat the ones now being nursed promise to torn out splendidly. The ornamental trees having come under review, especially the beautiful variegated holly with its berries in profusion, we were next shown some very expensive rhododendrons, these all beinj» kept for propagating from, as there is considerable demand for them.

"They thrive wonderfully," says Mr Laird, " ard I think the secret, the same as with ail my growths, is that they are raised in the open, and thereby booomo hardy and aconstomed to change of soil and olimatio influence."

One of the specialities of the Egmont Nursery is the splendid collection of roaes. Over 800 varieties, we are given to understand, and it is with pardonable pride that the proprietor dilates on their many beauties and excellent qualities. The cumoliaa, daphnes and azaleas are duly admired, as they deserve to be, and #o also are many other beautiful shrubs, trees, plants, oto. As Mr Laird aaye " It is net what we hke to grow ourselves you know; we just have to grow what we consider will suit the trade." And a very good idea, too, we think, as we admire some gigantic ferns just packed to send away to England. In the course of conversation, as we pass along to fie entrance gate in Glasgow-street, we understand that besides the 5 aores comprising the Egmont Nursery he has also a very largo area out at Weatmera, and before taking leave we are shown some tons of early seed potatoes grown on this new ground. In conclusion, it may be added that, situated as it is, so close handy to town, and having bo much ef interest and profit to reoommend it, the Sgmont Nursery is well worthy a visit, more especially as, to meet the tunes, considerable reductions have been made to effect cash sales. We compliment Mr Laird on the method and order obtaining throughout the nursery tmd thanking him for his courtesy, ft brief &«tpi«Mti»Wo Tint is brought toanend.