OCT.] GATHERING FRUITS. f257 



reverse way, else there is danger of hurting the 

 buds. 



Trees exposed to the wind seldom require this 

 care j but sometimes espaliers may, and if so, the 

 same course is to be pursued as above. 



Of gathering and storing Orchard Fruits, 

 Most orchard apples and pears will be fit for be- 

 ing taken down and stored about the middle of this 

 month. In good seasons, some may be ready the 

 end of September, and in bad years, not perhaps till 

 the end of October. Under the head. Gathering 

 Wall Pears and Apples, last month, I noticed, that 

 they should not be pulled till their seeds be of a 

 dark brown or blackish colour ; and this is the best 

 criterion by which to judge of their fitness. 



They should never be allowed to drop of them- 

 selves, nor should they be shaken down, but should 

 be pulled by the hand. This may be thought too 

 troublesome a method ; but every body knows, that 

 bruised fruit will not keep, nor will it bring a full 

 price. The expense of gathering, therefore, may 

 be more than defrayed, if carefully done, by saving 

 the fruit from blemish. 



I consider it an error to sweat apples, as it is 

 termed, previous to storing them, either in the 

 common way, with straw or hay, or as recommend- 

 ed hy the late Mr Forsyth, by the use of short 

 grass. The Fruit ever after retains a bad flavour- 

 It should never be laid in heaps at all ; but if quite 

 dry when gathered, should be immediately carried 

 to the fruit-room, and be laid, if not singly, at least 



