THE APPLE 



57 



cutting away those that can best be spared, and shortening the 

 remainder by one- third of their length. If this is done and 

 the trees are carefully root pruned in autumn, they will probably 

 commence to bear good crops. 



When Apple trees are heavily laden the fruits should be 

 thinned in June. A crop of large Apples is then obtained, but 

 if the fruits are left in clusters many of them will remain small 



I Horizontal Espalier showing young 

 growths developed by cutting back 

 older branches 



and be of little value for home use or for market purposed. Such 

 trees derive much benefit if thoroughly watered with liquid 

 manure, and the fruits will be improved. If a mulch of short 

 manure is given it helps to conserve moisture in the soil ; freshly 

 planted trees should be mulched after planting or in spring. 



Spraying in February is a preventive against insect pests. 



Many old orchards in which the trees are covered with moss 



and lichen would derive much benefit from such treatment, and 



if the work was repeated once in three years the trees would 



E 



