Fruit Trees, the Pruning of.--Cut away all growths that have an inward
tendency, and do not allow any shoot to cross over or come in contact
with another; also keep the centres of the trees or bushes open. The
fruit of trees thus treated is not so liable to be blown down by the
wind, and the sun can more readily ripen it. If the ground is poor a
dressing of rotted manure worked into the soil will be beneficial to
the roots.
Fuchsias.--These like a warm and moist atmosphere. The hardy sorts do
well out of doors in rich, light soil. On the approach of frost cut
them down and cover the roots with 3 or 4 in. of coal dust, ashes, or
moss. Remove the ashes in April and thin out the shoots in May. They
will also grow well from cuttings taken off the old wood as soon as
they are 1 in. long, inserted in sand and placed under glass, or
plunged in dung at a temperature of 60 degrees. Cuttings will also
strike in loam and leaf-mould. If grown in pots, take them indoors
before the frosty weather begins, and give them very little or no
water at all during the winter. Keep them in a cool place, yet free
from frost. Re-pot them in the spring, trimming the branches and
roots, and making a compost for them of one-half mellow yellow loam,
one quarter leaf-mould, and one quarter old manure. Place them in a
frame with bottom-heat, and water and syringe them moderately while
they are growing. When they are in full growth never give them plain
water, but always plenty of liquid manure.
Fumitory.--_See_ "Corydalis."
Funkia.--Ornamental plants which delight in a deep, light soil and a
warm, moist situation, without which they will not flower. They are
increased by division (which should not be too severe) and bloom in
July and August. Height, 1 1/2 ft.
Furze.--Enjoys a sandy soil. Increased by cuttings taken in spring
or autumn and placed in a shady border under hand-glasses. It is of
evergreen habit, and forms a dense and highly ornamental hedge. (_See
also_ "Ulex.")
G
Gages.--The cultivation of Gages is similar to that of Plums. In the
open they may be grown as dwarfs or pyramids, and in orchard-houses
as gridirons, cordons, or in pots. The chief points to observe are to
thin the branches in order to admit plenty of light into the middle of
the tree, thus inducing the production of a plentiful supply of fruit
spurs, and to occasionally lift and root-prune the tree if growing
too strong. Among the choicest sorts are: Bonne Bouche (producing its
fruit at the end of August), Coe's Golden Drop (end of September),
Old Green Gage (August), Guthrie's Late Green Gage (September),
M'Laughlin's Gage (end of August), Oullin's Golden Gage (end of
August), and Reine Claude de Bavay (beginning of October).