52 THE KANSAS PEACH. 



long clubs used in removing the surplus fruit [a bad plan]. There 

 must be, however, some rule adojjted to determine the quantity of 

 fruit we wish to remain to ripen. This the individual grower must 

 determine for himself. When he fully realizes that a peaoh tree can 

 successfully ripen only a given number of pounds of fruit — the amount 

 varying according to age, size and condition of the tree — he will pos- 

 sess knowledge necessary for correct thinning. He must bear in mind 

 that the profits of a peach orchard depend almost solely upon two 

 features — the size and the color of the fruit. 



The following may prove to be of some value in determining the 

 amount of fruit that should be left to ripen upon the tree : Number 

 of peaches 300, diameter 2-J inches, baskets 4, weight 100 jiounds; 

 number of peaches 500, diameter 2^ inches, baskets 4, weight 100 

 pounds ; number of peaches 720, diameter 2 inches, baskets 4, w^eight 

 100 pounds. 



[Accuracy in grading will in the end enhance the value of the 

 crop. Small or large peaches should be graded to a uniform size, 

 but the small fruit will not ordinarily pay shijiping expenses and had 

 better be disposed of at home. — Sec.} 



Thinning on Trees. — Peaches are said to repay the labor of thin- 

 ning whenever the crop is full, and the practice of thinning is advo- 

 cated ; but it may be remarked that few men thin in a thorough way. 

 It is one of the many things that pays, according to the testimony of 

 practical men, and yet is not done in any general and effective way. 

 Professor Butz's rule is to thin after the June drop, leaving three or 

 four inches between fruits, excepting where there are only two on a 

 twig. — Gai'den and Farm. 



CURIOUS PEACH FRUITING. 



The Californian says many peach trees have fruited this year in 

 a peculiar manner. In some varieties each blossom has produced two 

 peaches, and on some trees it is not uncommon to find even more. 

 On one place at Bakersfield, Cal., there may be seen five perfect 

 peaclies that came from one bud. An effort will be made to preserve 

 the cluster, and if it matures the result will be a curiosity in the fruit 

 line. 



