STORING OF FRUITS 307 



thus throwing the full vigor of the plant into those re- 

 maining. As a rule three or four shoots upon each 

 branch can be left to advantage. The following spring 

 the shoots should be cut back about one -half and about, 

 half of the branches removed. Care should be taken to 

 avoid crotches, and if any of the branches cross others, so 

 that they are likely to rub, they should be cut out. This 

 cutting back and trimming 

 out should be kept up for 

 two or three years, and in 

 the case of dwarf pear trees, 

 regular pruning each year 

 should be continued. Al- 

 though an occasional head- 

 ing back will be of advan- 

 tage to the trees, apple, 206 ' 1 An outside cellar ' *** to 



keep fruit or vegetables, 

 plum and cherry trees that 



have been properly pruned while young will not require 

 so much attention after they come into bearing. 



GATHERING AND KEEPING FRUIT. Nearly all fruits 

 should be gathered as soon as they will readily part 

 from the stems on which they are borne. With many 

 perishable fruits the proper time for gathering will be 

 determined largely by the distance they are to be shipped. 

 With the exception of winter varieties of apples and 

 pears and a few kinds of grapes, it will be best to dispose 

 of fruit soon after it is gathered, unless it is kept for 

 family use. If for winter use, the fruit should at once 

 be placed in the cellar or fruit house in which it is to be 

 stored, and there kept as near the freezing point as 

 possible. There will be less danger of the shriveling 

 of the fruit if placed at once in closed barrels or other 

 tight packages, but if proper ventilation is given the fruit 

 may be kept in bins with little loss. Even though no 

 ice is used, it will be possible to maintain a fairly low 

 temperature by opening the windows at night when the 



