174 



NATURE STUDY AND LIFE 



The condition of a tree is indicated by its annual growth. 

 If this is too vigorous and the tree is going to bud and 

 wood, the soil is too rich in nitrogenous materials. We 

 may leave it unfertilized a year and possibly prune off a 

 number of its roots. If the annual shoots over the out- 

 side of the tree are less than a foot long, 

 the tree probably needs feeding. For a 

 tree, after it has begun to bear, to make 

 a vigorous growth of about a foot on the 

 tips of its exposed branches is considered 

 an index of good condition. 



How TO RAISE A PeACH TrEE 



First, as before stated, we must be sure 

 that we are starting with seed of unim- 

 paired health and vigor. This we shall 

 get from our State Experiment Station 

 or from some reliable nurseryman in the 

 neighborhood or save it from fruit of a 

 tree that we know is not tainted with yel- 

 lows.^ As early as the ground can be 

 worked in the spring we will plant our 

 seeds, about six inches apart and two 

 inches deep, in a row across our propagation bed. Cut- 

 worms are fond of young peach trees, and if there are 

 any of these pests around, we shall do well to melt the 



/•' 



iBud 





Fig. 70. Peach 

 Tree 



First year, bud set 

 in September. Cut 

 off at c the follow- 

 ing spring 



1 The cause of peach yellows has not been discovered ; but it is certain 

 that it is communicated by seeds and by buds or grafts of diseased trees. 

 Write to the Agricultural Experiment Station of your state for latest 

 information on the subject. 



