FRUITS FOR SMALL GARDEN 287 



not over enriched. In fact strong and rich 

 lands are a disadvantage, since they promote a 

 luxuriant growth of wood and top and the 

 strength of the tree goes into this at the expense 

 of fruit. Not much manure is to be applied, 

 therefore, at any time; but always potash in 

 the form of hardwood ashes, and phosphate in 

 the form of ground bone, these two elements 

 being the special foods which build up strong 

 wood and fruit and nourish flowers. 



The nectarine is a smooth-skinned fruit re- 

 sembling a plum very much more — to the lay- 

 man — than it resembles a peach. It is of the 

 latter species however, regardless of appear- 

 ances — for nectarines have been grown from 

 peach seeds and peaches from nectarines 

 through the process scientifically distinguished 

 as bud variation; which is proof conclusive. Its 

 flesh is yellowish green, very tender and of 

 sweet, rich flavor; and there are of course differ- 

 ent varieties as of other fruits. Like the peach 

 these are early and late, the former ripening in 

 August usually while the latter are perhaps ten 

 days to a fortnight later. Apricots are one of 

 the most decorative of trees in flower, one va- 

 riety being grown in Japan — their native land 

 — just for its bloom. They like a soil that is a 

 little heavier than the peach and nectarine 



