62 FRUIT GARDEN. 



defect of climate and poverty of soil; in which, case a more 

 sheltered situation and more generous treatment are the 

 most effectual remedies. Fruit trees should never, if pos- 

 sible, be allowed to become stunted ; for in this state they 

 produce only worthless fruit, and acquire a habit which 

 scarcely admits of melioration. 



Protection of Blossom. — In our variable climate, and 

 particularly in the northern and eastern parts of the coun- 

 try, it is very desirable that the horticulturist should be 

 provided with the means of defending the blossom of his 

 fruit-trees from the late frosts in spring. For this purpose 

 some cultivators partially cover their walls with branches 

 of spruce-fir or beech, or the fronds of the common braken 

 fern (Pteris aquilina), fastened firmly by several points of 

 attachment, to prevent rubbing. Others recommend frames 

 covered with bunting, osnaburgh or similar light fabrics, 

 set in a sloping position in front of the trees. Screens 

 formed of reeds have been used, and nettings of worsted- 

 yarn or of straw-ropes have been employed with good effect. 

 Whatever contrivance serves to interrupt radiation, though 

 it may not keep the temperature much above freezing, will 

 be found sufficient. Standard fruit-trees must be left to 

 their fate, and, indeed, from the lateness of their flowering, 

 they are generally more injured by blight, and by drench- 

 ing rains, which wash away the pollen of the flowers, than 

 by the direct effects of cold. In not a few cases it is found 

 very useful to promote the setting of blossom, by directly 

 applying it to pollen from flowers of some other tree of the 

 same species. 



Protection of Fruit. — If the blossom requires to be 

 guarded, equally so does the fruit, from the moment it be- 

 gins to color till it be plucked for the table. Wasps and 

 other insect enemies are often ensnared by means of phials 



