30 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE. 



page 171. Lifting fruit trees, pages 172, 173, has special application to trees on dwarf- 

 ing stocks, and those limited to space. Extension (so called) forms consist of cup, Vol. I., 

 pages 179, 180 ; forked, pages 180-183 ; open bush, and half -standard, also standard. 

 The principles upon which these trees are pruned will be found under " Open Bush," 

 present Vol., page 14, and root-pruning as applicable to these forms is given in Yol. I., 

 pages 174-178. , 



Manuring. Cogent remarks on this subject are given in Vol. I., page 51, commenc- 

 ing "Applying Manures," and following on to page 56, and have particular application 

 to apple trees. Eeference may be made to the artificial manure alluded to under 

 " Canker," Vol. I., page 234. Generally apple trees do not require such liberal supplies 

 of manure as some other fruits do, but when grown in poor soils, or \vhen they bear 

 too profusely so as to exhaust themselves, some decomposed manure, about 6 bushels 

 per square rod, should be spread on the surface in autumn and left there, or be merely 

 pointed in early in spring. This is almost a necessity annually in light, shallow soils, 

 and where the trees yearly bear heavy crops of fruit. 



Manures, however, are of no use without a due amount of moisture in the soil. The 

 rainfall in most localities and seasons is sufficient to render solid manure and artificials 

 available as food in soluble or fluid form. Mulching (Vol. I., page 57) assists apple 

 trees immensely in light, shallow soils. It should be applied soon after the fruit is set, 

 and be added to from time to time through the summer up to September. An inch or two 

 in thickness at once is all that is necessary, and heavy soils only require mulching on 

 the setting in of dry, hot weather to preserve the moisture in the earth and prevent 

 parching and cracking. Good friable loams, having a surface of good tilth, do not 

 usually need mulching. 



Liquid manure (Vol. I, page 56) aids trees carrying full crops to perfect them, the 

 fruit becoming larger and more juicy. To benefit the swelling, liquid stimulants should 

 be applied in the early stages, and continued as occasion requires, until the fruit is full 

 grown. Liquid manure should, when possible, be given after rain ; it is simply wasting 

 rich liquid when it is poured on parched and cracked soil ; but the soil having its inter- 

 stices closed by a thorough watering, liquid manure may then be applied advantageously. 

 It may also be given to weakly trees whilst dormant, as a means of soil enrichment. One 

 or two good soakings of strong liquid in winter assist trees to swell their crops in 

 summer, but continual applications of slops and liquid manure render the soil sodden 

 and sour. 



