The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-11-20
HORTECULTURE.

The varieties of Strawberries famous
twenty years ago have nearly all disap-
peared. We can not tell just why this
is, but it is we'll to raise new seedlings
continually. Varieties seem to degener-
ate when cultivated for long time in
one locality, and often plants OF the same
kinds brought from a distance will DO
much better.
Many farmer plants his house In the
open fields and gives bis family not
single tree, while the city fathers pro-
vide shady parks and sheltered streets.
Does he never sigh for the shade him.
self after a days toll in the swetering
fields? It Is strange that he does not
have at least thought of the beauty of
it.
When a tree has been trimmed or
topped In the winter the spring finds
free growth Of vigorous sprouts about
stumps of the limbs severed, and the
lower branches which We wish to
strengthen become weaker. Remove
these vigorous sprouts, and the whole
tree will be the gamer thereby.
It lie mistake to plant trees until you
get your ground ready, or to plant in
soil not adapted to their growth, or in
ground which has not been properly
enriched and thoroughly undetermined,
for trees will not thrive with wet feet.
Do not plant In little excavations like
post holes, and then expect good results
without any further thought or care.
Never mind about the condition of
the moon when setting out trees. Plant
them right and care for them, and they
will do their best. 1t is a Sad mistake
to turn them out to grass before they
are weaned from the nursery, or to for
get that they need cultivation just az
much as does corn or other vigorously
growing plants.
While a tree will stand almost any
amount of water, 1t cannot exist if any
water remains about its roots. Good
drainage is most essential.
Canes which have borne one season
never bear again; hence the necessity
for keeping supply Of new wood every
year.
Trim the grapes in the fall. Train
the vines 80 that they may be laid down
and covered with earth in winter. and
raised and tied to the trellis again in
the spring. Vines one or two years old
will not bear, and should be cut back
to two or three buds.
A small area of land, few days Of
labor and few dollars invested In seeds
ard plants will change desolate home
into one of beauty and delight.
The roots of a young strawberry plant
are always bright and yellow. fresh and
clean looking. Those of an old one are
brown in color and shriveled In appear
ance. We should never be deceived in
them.
AS climber for the verands, screen
for fences. or for pillars along garden
walks, there Is nothing better than the
finer varieties of clematis; neither has
II any rival among strong growiIR
blossoming plants in masses on rock
work.
Very little of the timber now in this
country is valuable for lumber and that
which will not make lumber has no
other value. present or prospective. If
it is to be retained, why not have the
land freed from taxation. Perhaps
premium should be paid for the cultiva
ton of timber. 1t seems that we must
do that or do worse. The sooner we ar
rive at some determination the better it
will be for the country. AS an invest
ment our timber lands do not pay.