WHY FRUIT MUST BE THINNED 125 



slitting, however, as a cure-all for tree troubles is irrational and 

 probably an aggravation of ill-condition. On old trees, too, there 

 is often a growth of moss and lichens which should be removed. 

 This can be done by scraping off the rough, loose bark and spraying 

 with an alkaline wash, composed of one pound of caustic soda or 

 potash to six gallons of water. If scale insects are present, the lime, 

 salt, and sulphur spray should be used, as will be described in the 

 chapter on injurious insects. This will remove the parasites, give 

 the trees a clean, bright bark and contribute to their vigor. 



But the renovation of neglected fruit trees is not usually a mat- 

 ter of pruning and spraying alone. Generally, also, success depends 

 upon good cultivation and wise use of fertilizers; also sometimes 

 of irrigation, and sometimes of drainage. 



SUPPORTS FOR BEARING BRANCHES 



Props of 1x3 lumber or of light poles are commonly used. A 

 great amount of ingenuity has been displayed by growers in the 

 use of galvanized wire ; wiring from opposite branches to each 

 other through the tree ; carrying wires from all branches to a ring 

 in the center of the tree ; carrying a wire around the tree and 

 stapling each branch to it, etc. No clear preference can be declared 

 in method of wiring, for each grower prefers his own method and 

 condemns all others. On the whole but little wiring is done. 



Repairing broken trees where one or more main branches has split 

 out from the trunk is feasible if one is a good mechanic and has 

 proper outfit. A single limb can be drawn back to place with a 

 block and tackle attached to remaining limbs and bolted to the 

 trunk. Even when all branches have split down a pole equipped 

 with block and tackle is set beside the trees so the limbs may be 

 raised all at once to their former positions. Two to four bolts will 

 tighten all together ; and the limbs additionally supported by wires 

 to staples in limbs on opposite sides. The cracks should be painted, 

 and will heal over. The largest washers that fit should be used, 

 and washers, bolts and staples will disappear as the tree grows over 

 them. Trees thus repaired are still serviceable in different parts of 

 the State twenty or thirty years after the operation. 



Trees which blow over in the dormant season can also be drawn 

 back to place with team or tractor with block and tackle from proper 

 anchorage and propped in place with scantlings, etc. Such trees 

 have re-established themselves strongly. 



THINNING FRUIT 



Intimately connected with the pruning of bearing trees, is the 

 thinning of the fruit or proper spacing of the individual fruits so 

 that each shall have space and sap to allow its attainment of satis- 

 factory marketable size. It has been fully demonstrated that no 

 demand is profitable which will be content with the undersized fruit 

 from an overladen tree. The superior price for good-sized fruit for 



