82 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE. 



stoning when the size of pickling walnuts. These operations should be effected 

 gradually, leaving the fruits thinner on the weaker parts of the tree, and more numerous 

 on the stronger, always reserving those for the crop on the front or upper side of the 

 branches. One fruit to a square foot of the surface covered by the tree is enough to 

 leave for securing the finest specimens. Much, however, depends upon the variety. 

 Royal George will bring to the highest perfection one-third more fruit than will 

 Noblesse or Grosse Mignonne peach trees of corresponding size and vigour ; while Elruge 

 Nectarine carries twice as many fruits, on an average, as a similar tree of Pine Apple. 

 These habits of bearing must have due weight with growers in thinning the different 

 varieties of peaches and nectarines. The health and management of the trees also 

 influence the crop materially. A vigorous tree will not be distressed by one- third more 

 fruits than one of medium strength, or twice as many as a weakly tree. Two fruits to a 

 square foot form a maximum crop of large peaches or nectarines, and more than three 

 fruits of the medium- sized kinds to a superficial foot of surface ought not to be 

 exceeded on healthy, well-supported trees to secure fruit of full size and high 

 quality. Overcropping exhausts the trees quickly, therefore the cultivator must exer- 

 cise judgment in thinning the fruit, acting in strict accordance with each tree's mani- 

 fest condition. In removing the fruit, it is necessary to give it a twist and press it in 

 the opposite direction, to avoid tearing the bark, as would be the case if it were pulled 

 off towards the base of the branch. (See " Thinning Fruit," Yol. I., page 197.) 



Routine. Besides topping and thinning the shoots in summer, and securing those 

 that remain to the wall or trellis, other essential matters to be attended to are moisture 

 at the roots, and cleanliness of the foliage. 



Trees against walls often suffer from a deficiency of moisture in the border. This 

 should be frequently examined and water supplied whenever the soil is not decidedly 

 moist. The amount of rain falling in autumn and winter is, in some years, inadequate 

 to moisten the soil thoroughly, especially where it has been allowed to become and 

 remain dry in late summer. In that case, the surface of the border should be loosened 

 with a fork, formed into small ridges longitudinally with the wall, and the hollows 

 filled and refilled with water till the border is thoroughly moistened. If the trees are 

 weakly, follow with liquid manure, and subsequently level the soil. This should be done 

 before the blossom buds unfold, but it is not sound practice to allow the trees to become 

 dry at the roots at any season. 



Syringing. This is highly beneficial. It is the best means, combined with adequate 



