GENERAL PRACTICE. THIXXIXG FRCtT. ig-j 



frost the upper aperture must be closed ; therefore, a strip of the protective material of 

 the required width and length should be tacked at one end to a stake ready for winding 

 round to close the aperture when necessary, removing it when frost is gone. 



For espaliers there is nothing better than straw mats secured to a light wood frame. 

 They may be fixed with stakes similar to thatched hurdles, which are good for shelter. 

 In constructing the latter, straw, rushes, heather, green broom, or branches of spruce or 

 yew, answer for thatch, provided the work is well done. Pack the material so that air 

 can pass through, and take especial care to fasten it securely by means of runner-bean 

 stakes, or thatching rods, laid upon it and tied to the hurdles. A row of these may 

 be firmly affixed a foot from the north or east side, another row upon them leaning 

 sufficiently forward to project over the trees, fastening them securely with string to each 

 other and to supporting poles. This means of protection may be usefully employed 

 for small pyramids or bushes, and a single row of hurdles driven into the ground 

 aslant and fastened to stakes will suffice for low horizontal cordons. 



Gooseberry and currant bushes are effectually protected by a light covering of 

 tiffany, and it is easily kept in position with string secured to pegs driven into the 

 ground. Even a little dry straw spread over the bushes, when severe late frost prevails, 

 will afford the needful shelter and prevent the injurious effects of sudden thawing. 

 Spruce and other evergreen branches placed round and over bush and other dwarf trees 

 shield them from frost, and even bushy, untrimmed pea-sticks placed along both sides 

 of espalier and other forms of trees, and arched over them, have afforded valuable shelter 

 to the blossom. 



THINNING FRUIT. 



Trees frequently produce heavy crops of small, indifferent fruit, or a full crop one 

 year and little or none the next. This is a waste of the soil's resources, and impairs the 

 energy and value of the trees. It can only be prevented by thinning the fruit where it 

 is set too thickly, in the early stages of its development. Imperfectly-fertilised fruits 

 usually fall prematurely, but there are notable examples to the contrary ; peaches and 

 other stone fruits may not show the results of defective fertilisation until considerably 

 advanced in swelling. In a fortnight to three weeks after the flowers are shed the 

 abortive fruits will be east from the trees, or increase in size slowly. Those that will 

 eventually be the finest take the lead in swelling. These should be reserved, removing 

 any that are small or swell irregularly. As a rule, one or at most two fruits on a spur 



