52 PRESENT-DAY GARDENING 



signs of decay or black specks. All fruits should be 

 gathered with their stalks, for if these are pulled out the 

 fruits rot. To ascertain when Apples or Pears are fit to 

 gather, cut one open ; if the pips are brown, they are ready. 

 With late Pears, gently raise the fruits, and unless they 

 part readily from the spur, they should not be gathered. 



STORING THE FRUIT 



It must be remembered that the dry air of a room or 

 closet absorbs moisture from the fruits and they become 

 shrivelled and tough. It is a good plan to store small 

 quantities in large flower or earthenware pots and cover 

 them with a slate or tile, standing these in a cool cellar, 

 and looking them over from time to time for removing 

 decayed fruits. 



This is mentioned because villa gardens do not often 

 possess proper fruit rooms, but any sheds may be used 

 for the purpose, as we seldom get sufficient frosts to freeze 

 them before Christmas. Drawers are bad receptacles for 

 storing fruits. 



The smaller and harder Apples that do not ripen before 

 November can be laid in heaps, covering them with news- 

 paper or a cloth. But all early Apples are apt to sweat 

 after gathering, and they should be laid out in a single 

 layer until after the moisture has gone, when they may 

 be laid up closer. Early dessert Apples soon lose their 

 flavour, and that crisp texture so much appreciated, therefore 

 it is best to use them direct from the tree. Many fine 

 varieties have been condemned because they were eaten 

 after their best period. 



