RENOVATING OLD TREES.—Most satisfactory results have been obtained from old and apparently worn out trees by changing the soil about their roots, or applying a top dressing of wood ashes, guano, salt and plaster in equal quantities, allowing about one bushel of the mixture to each tree. If nothing better is convenient, a heavy dressing of well made barn manure forked in about the roots will have a decided effect. The absorbing points of the roots extend a considerable distance from the trunk, therefore, the principal part of the top dressing should embrace a circumference at least equal to that of the branches. It might be considered unnecessary to mention this _very_ apparent fact, were it not usual to observe manure applied to the stem instead of the roots. GRAPES UNDER GLASS will now be approaching maturity. Dryness both in soil and atmosphere favors this process, still they must not be allowed to suffer for want of moisture should the weather prove dry. The young growth may be stopped more rigidly as the ripening process proceeds. This will concentrate the sap and strengthen the buds for a future crop, if pinched back too severely these buds may start into growth, which must be guarded against. OUT-DOOR GRAPES will require attention in thinning out lateral shoots and stopping others especially those on bearing shoots. Thinning out the berries is seldom practised on these, nor, indeed is it always necessary. Occasionally, however, the berries are so thickly placed that room is not afforded them to swell out and ripen properly. By thinning out a few of the most central and smallest berries, the fruit will ripen earlier and be much improved both in size and flavor. S. B. AUGUST. FLOWER GARDEN AND PLEASURE GROUND.