146 



IRISH GARDENING 



are practised by most growers. These may he 

 defined as the di'oppiug, handling, seed and 

 flavour tests. 



The tree does not concern itself ahont the 

 edible portion of the apple. It is the seed or pip 

 that it ripens, and as soon as these are matured 

 the tree gives the fruit notice to quit, this being 

 absolute proof of the maturity of its crop. 

 Dropi)ing might be caused l)y other agencies, 

 such as mildew, wind, drought, over-cropping, 



The handling test is well knowji to peach and 

 pear grower's, but applies equally to apples. 

 Gently take the fruit in your hand and raise it 

 up, changing its position slightly, and if it falls 

 into the hand trj' a few more. If you have 

 similar results the crop may be gathered with 

 confidence ; but if it still clings to the branch 

 leave the fruit oji the tree for a while, unless 

 winter is approaching too fast. 



The flavour test depends on the condition cf 



Photo hy} 



Nabcissus Barrii Conspicuus At Stbaffan, Co. Dublin. 



f;:., huhUn. 



and the effects of grubs and insects. The drop- 

 ping test applies chiefly to the early varieties, 

 and as soon as sufficient fall to attract attention 

 the remaining fruit should be examined and 

 gathered carefully and not allowed to fall. 



The seed test is the most common method. A 

 few fruits are cut in halves and the seeds care- 

 fully examined. If they are moderately hard, 

 browii and plump, and the fruit separates 

 freely from the tree, gathering should at once 

 be attended to. If not, give the apples the 

 benefit of the doubt, and leave them on the trees 

 as long as possible, unless the lateness of the 

 season or climatic conditions compel the gather- 

 ing. 



the fruit. Ripening is a chemical process, 

 therefore the fruit is not fit for consumi)tion 

 until this change has taken place. The only 

 method for ascertaining this state of perfection 

 is by tasting as to flavour. An apple is an 

 ap]ile to the vast majority, but to a connoisseiir 

 it depends on the flavour and condition of the 

 flesh. The flavour test a})plies to early, mid- 

 season and late varieties, and determines the time 

 to eat, while the former tests determine the 

 time to gather and store the fruit. 



To those who are about to erect a fruit room, 

 they would do well to write to Irish C4ardening 

 for ])articulars that they may get the best advice 

 obtainable. 



