FRUIT CULTURE. 781 



Diseases. The cherry tree is not troubled to any serious extent with insects, and has 

 but few diseases. On soils where the bark of the trees split open, it is better to have the 

 lowest branches low on the trunk, or within three or four feet of the ground. 



To Prevent Birds from Robbing Cherry Trees. The best method of 

 preventing birds from helping themselves too liberally to cherries is to encourage the king 

 bird to build her nest near the trees. It has been found that if tempted by scraps of cotton, 

 strings, or small shreds of other loose material for building a nest, these to be left in the 

 vicinity in which it is desired to have the nest located, the king-bird will soon accustom 

 itself to building in and about the orchards, gardens, and even buildings of the farm. 



Professor W. A. Stearns of Amherst, Mass., gives his experience in this connection as 

 follows: &quot;It is well known that the king bird, the most fearless fighter of the feathered tribe, 

 attacking with violence crows, hawks, and, in fact, any bird that interferes or intrudes in the 

 domestic arrangements of its helpmate, is particularly active in preservation of self and 

 family during the season of nidification and incubation. Several years ago I found that one 

 of these birds built its nest and raised its family in the corner of an eave-spout at the front 

 end of our house. Not five rods from this place stood a cherry tree, of the variety called 

 the ox-heart. Here for years we had struggled to see who would get a taste of this most 

 delicious fruit. For an equal amount of time it had been nip and tuck, so to speak, 

 between the birds and ourselves. We had tried red flags in the tree, and the birds minded 

 them not a straw ; we had put scarecrows and old hats in among the branches, and the birds 

 lighted upon them, and mocked at our efforts; we had tried shooting, and though a few birds 

 were killed, ten came to the funeral of each, and many of the fine limbs of the tree were so 

 riddled with shot that they died during the following autumn and spring. What to do we 

 did not know. 



In our dilemma we suddenly, one season, found the tree clear of robbers, and in surprise 

 and delighted wonderment we feasted off the delicious fruit the whole of that season. The 

 next season was the same. No apparent cause could be ascertained for this reign of quiet 

 for a considerable while. It was at last discovered that while our friend the king-bird 

 continued its nest in the eave-spout, no other bird was allowed nearer than a radius of some 

 twenty or more rods of the tree. This took in another similar tree upon the opposite side of 

 the walk. Thus had been raised to us a natural protector of our fruit. We cultivated the 

 acquaintance of our favorite, threw cotton and pieces of string where he would find them, 

 and were delighted to find that he took kindly to our suggestions and appeared to become 

 domesticated. Finally, one year, lately, he disappeared, whether killed or not by some 

 mischievous boy or unscientific sportsman, I do not know. To our disappointment the birds 

 returned, and our cherries were eaten up.&quot; 



Old seines or fish nets spread over the tree will prove a good protection; also small 

 pieces of bright tin, or looking glass tied to a string two or three feet long, and fastened to 

 the end of a pole, which is securely placed so as to sway in the wind above the branches and 

 reflect the sunlight, will frequently frighten the birds away. Fine thread wound around the 

 tree so as to be distinctly seen will also answer the same purpose at times, but the means 

 that prove successful during one season will not always the next, and for this reason the 

 king-bird, as previously stated, is the most sure prevention that can be recommended. 



Quinces. The cultivation of the quince is more limited in the United States than it 

 ought to be, for it is a very valuable fruit, easily reared, and commands a high price in the 

 market. The fruit resembles the orange in external appearance more than any other, while 

 the tree grows more like a stout shrub than a tree. Its large blossoms of white and delicate 

 pink are quite ornamental during the blossoming season, and its golden fruit is no less so 

 when fully ripe. Its principal use is for preserving, it being one of the most, delicious fruits 



