344 



THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE. 



bearers, the trees should be planted at half the full distance apart in the first instance, 

 and ultimately thinned, as they grow, to not less than 18 feet apart, the Dutch variety 24 

 feet. Pyramids may be planted 9 to 12 feet asunder. Planting is best done in the 

 autumn directly the leaves have fallen, but answers in early spring. 



General Management. Young trees must be properly staked, and the heads 

 originated after the manner described for apple trees, u Low Standards," page 26, and 

 "Pyramids," page 1, of the present volume. After the framework of the future tree is 

 formed, standards require but 

 little pruning, merely thinning out 

 weak growths, and to prevent the 

 branches crossing each other. Top- 

 dressing with turfy loam and 

 manure helps weakly trees, and 

 those in poor and shallow soils. 



Gathering and Storing the 

 Fruit. Medlars ought not to be 

 gathered until November, or when 

 fully matured, otherwise they 

 will shrivel instead of " bletting." 

 Gather when dry, and spread the 

 fruit singly, eye downwards, on a Fi *- 109 ' FEm BBANCH OF MEDIAE - 



cool fruit-room shelf. If a fungus attack the stalk end of the fruit, dip it in brine. 

 Prevention is better than cure ; hence the stalk end of the fruit may be dipped in the 

 brine, and left to dry before placing on the fruit-room shelf, as a preventive of 

 mouldiness. Any affected fruits should be at once removed. The process of mellowing 

 " bletting " usually requires a fortnight or three weeks at the least ; but the time 

 varies, and some fruits keep good for several weeks, so that a supply is had over 

 a considerable period. Medlars for jelly must be ripe, but not quite so much " bletted " 

 as for eating. 



END OF VOL. II. 



PRINTED JiV J. S. VIRTUE AND CO., LIMITED, CITY ROAD, LONDON. 



