2iG THE FRUIT GARDEN. f JULY, 



these trees should finally be thinned. This should 

 be done, at all events, previously to their beginning 

 to swell off for ripening, that the full strength of 

 the tree may be thrown into the fruit left upon it ; 

 in order to augment their size, and increase their 

 flavour. 



With respect to the quantity or number proper to 

 be left on a tree, much must depend on its size and 

 strength, and whether it be full grown, or be yei in 

 training. A full grown tree, in a healthy state, may 

 be allowed to produce considerably more than one 

 in a vveak condition. And if a tree yet in train- 

 ing, that is, one not having filled the space allotted 

 to it, be allowed to ripen all the fruit it may set, its 

 extension will be much retarded in consequence. 

 On the More-Park apricot, and the larger kinds of 

 peaches, in a healthy full-bearing state, a fruit to 

 every foot square of the superficial content, or sur- 

 face of the tree, may be taken as a good medium ; 

 that is to say, a tree covering a space fifteen feet 

 by twelve, may be allowed to ripen about two hun- 

 dred fruit. The smaller kinds of apricots and peach- 

 es, and of nectarines in general, may be allowed to 

 produce a third part more, if in a healthy state. 

 The larger and better sorts of plums may be thin- 

 ned in proportion, and according to their sizes; and 

 may be thinned out to from three to six inches a- 

 part, if on the shoots of last year, or so as to hang 

 ([uite free of one another, if on spurs. 



1 am aware, that many will think thinning to 

 this extent an extraordinary measure ; but I would 

 have such be convinced of the propriety of doing 



