PEACH. 291 



Bon should be shortened about one-third. This, if an- 

 nually followed from the time the trees are set, will give 

 them compact heads instead of open, straggling ones, the 

 branches of which will break down with the first full 

 crop of fruit. In the Peach-growing districts the culti- 

 vators do not expect more than three crops in five years ; 

 and if they get two full crops in that time they are con- 

 tent, and amateurs should expect no more. When a crop 

 sets at all there is usually more fruit than the tree can 

 carry and ripen. No fruit needs severe thinning more 

 than the Peach. In bearing seasons half or two-thirds 

 of the Peaches which set niay be removed with benefit to 

 the rest. The fruit should be removed when about the size 

 of hazel nuts. When a tree appears sickly with yellow 

 foliage, dig it up at once. The distance the trees should 

 be set apart may be from ten to twelve feet. Among the 

 favorite varieties for garden culture may be named the 

 following: 



Hale's Early. — A very early Peach, of fair size and 

 great beauty, but has the fault that it in some localities 

 rots just as it begins to ripen, a difficulty probably due to 

 overbearing rather than to locality. Preestone, excellent. 



Columbia, — Large, round, color yellow and red, streaked 

 wdth dark crimson ; flesh yellow, rich, and juicy ; flavor 

 excellent. Freestone ; ripens in September. 



Craioford's Early. — Large, roundish, color yellow, 

 tinged with red ; flesh yellow, rich, and sweet. Ripens 

 last of August ; freestone. 



CraioforcVs Late. — Similar in appearance, but ripening 

 three weeks later. 



Cooledge's Favorite. — Size medium, roundish oval, 

 color clear white with crimson cheek ; flesh rich, juicy, 

 and of first quality. Ripens in August ; freestone. 



Honest John, or Early York. — Large, roundish, white 



