MANAGEMENT FOR THE SECOND YEAR. 73 



of mildew ; consequently, a greater supply of fresh air may 

 be admitted with safety, the result of which is, more solid 

 ity of fruit, a greater concentration of saccharine matter, 

 and, as a matter of course, a nearer approach to the natural 

 shades of color. When water is applied outside, let it be 

 a thorough soaking — no mere dribbling, but sufficient to 

 penetrate down and through the borders. The mulching 

 which was applied previous to winter should also be ex- 

 amined, and if the surface is not well covered, add more. 

 If the liquid drainings of a dunghill can be had, so much 

 the better ; but, first, dilute with an equal portion of soft 

 or rain water, and never use it but in a clear state, as 

 otherwise it clogs up the porosity of the soil, and renders 

 it sodden and " sour." The drainage from a cow-house 

 is also very good, but ought not to be applied until some- 

 what fermented, as, while caustic, the salts contained in it 

 are very destructive to the roots. Many persons apply 

 liquid manures, of various kinds, without caution, and 

 often do much injury thereby, while, if rightly used, they 

 are of the greatest advantage. By the second week in 

 July, some of the earliest sorts will begin to change for 

 ripening, when water may be dispensed with overhead, 

 but still applied to the roots in clear weather, which will 

 cause the atmosphere to be drier. With the ripening of 

 the fruit comes also an approach towards maturity of the 

 wood, and during this period, water is only essential to keep 

 up a healthy action, and should be gradually discontinued. 

 As a little quantity, often distributed, only damps the surface, 

 and the evaporation resulting therefrom produces a moist at- 

 mosphere when a dry one is wanted, the times of applying it 

 ought to be less often ; but when done, a good soaking 

 should be given. Once a week, for two or three weeks, will 

 be enough, and after that time once in two weeks, up to tlio 

 iriddle of September, when it may be withheld entirely. 

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