Work in the fruit garden and houses in the second half of April will be principally as follows:

(1) Completing the grafting of trees.

(2) Disbudding, tying down and stopping Vines, and thinning Grapes. Remember to close houses early in the afternoon in order to conserve the natural heat; and also to "damp down" the paths and borders by sprinkling water about.

(3) Staking and tying any trees which are not steady.

(4) Destroying insects. Black fly will endeavour to establish itself in the tips of Cherries and Peaches. Directly any of the aphides are seen, use one of the many insecticides sold by seedsmen for the purpose.

(5) Syringe Peach houses at the middle of the afternoon on bright days, but not on wet ones. Give as much air as is consistent with avoiding draughts.

(6) Stopping and planting Melons, and sowing more seed for late crops. Canker of the stems is common in Melons, but can be avoided by keeping water from the stems, and preventing the soil from becoming sodden.