64 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE. 



contracted sap vessels and increases the flow of sap, thus restoring the waste which 

 occurs in a very dry atmosphere or soil during the resting period, for it must not be 

 supposed that because the trees are kept dry and cool the sap is altogether inactive, as 

 evaporation is going on more or less constantly. Evaporation very often causes peach 

 trees to cast their buds when at rest, a crop of fruit then being out of the question. The 

 more uniformly moist the atmosphere, the more regular and constant will be the growth 

 of vines and trees, but keeping the foliage dripping with moisture causes it to become 

 unhealthy. Morning syringings, we repeat, are best dispensed with, except for the 

 considerations before named, and in place thereof damp all available surfaces of the 

 house, and thus keep the atmosphere so charged with moisture as to prevent undue 

 evaporation, whilst at the same time the foliage is free to perform its functions during 

 the best part of the day. This effected, early closing and syringing or damping 

 attended to, a moist sun-warmed atmosphere is secured, highly favouring the swelling 

 of fruit ; then as night draws on the foliage becomes dry, the temperature falls, and the 

 trees gradually rest. 



Rain Water. This is the only proper kind to use in syringing and it should be clear. 

 It is without exception the most valuable insecticide. Forcible syringings eject red 

 spider, thrips, and aphides, when the water is directed full upon them, and one good 

 syringing is worth a multitude of squirts, yet judgment must be exercised, for forcing 

 water through a jet so as to tear the leaves and give them the appearance of being 

 riddled with shot is nearly as bad as allowing them to be eaten by insects. Clear 

 rain water, at the temperature in which the trees are growing, will not injure anything 

 and will not leave any stain on fruit, but spring water, from the mineral matter it 

 contains, is not generally suitable for syringing, unless it is softened. 



Softening Water. Mr. E. Molyneux, a very successful gardener, states from experience 

 that " the softening of hard water is a simple process. A large body can be softened 

 with as little trouble as a small quantity. Anti-calcaire, commonly called milk of lime, 

 is used. To 250 gallons of water add one pound, and in twenty-four hours the chalk 

 will be deposited at the bottom of the tank and the water rendered soft. Common wash- 

 ing soda is also good for softening chalk water. Dissolve a quarter of a pound of soda in 

 hot water, add this to 36 gallons of cold, allowing the water to stand as before for 

 twenty-four hours, when it will be soft. While the precipitation of chalk is going on the 

 water has a milky appearance. When the water is used, care should be taken not to 

 disturb the sediment, and the tank or vessel should be frequently cleaned out." This 



