8 A THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE. 



be conveyed in blood meal (blood dried and then ground) at the rate of a |-piut per 

 square yard when the buds begin swelling, repeating when the fruit has stoned. This is 

 recommended for rather weakly trees in light soils. For heavy soil substitute bone 

 meal for the blood manure, and apply with the wood ashes at the rate above mentioned 

 not later than February. 



"Wood ashes are not always available ; therefore, other substances must be requisi- 

 tioned. For a winter or early spring dressing, 5 parts of bone meal and 2 parts of 

 muriate of potash, mixed ; and 4 to 6 ounces employed per square yard, give good and 

 lasting results. Kainit may be used instead of the muriate of potash, but it must be 

 of the best quality. As a dressing to be applied during growth : 4 parts super- 

 phosphate of lime, 2 parts nitrate of potash, and 1 part gypsum, mixed. A good 

 handful sprinkled on each square yard of border after it has been made moist, and then 

 washed in, suffices to maintain the trees in health. The frequency of the applications 

 must be determined by the condition of the trees and their crops; one dressing may be 

 given when the buds swell, a second when the fruit is set, the third after thinning for 

 stoning, and the fourth when the stoning is completed. Another dressing may be 

 given after the fruit is gathered, to assist the trees to strengthen the buds if they are 

 weakly and not disposed to late growth. Liquid applications are valuable in aiding the 

 swelling of the fruit, and the draining of stables, cow-houses, manure heaps, and 

 sewage may be applied for that purpose, but not so strong as to induce grossness in the 

 trees. 



Exposing the Fruit. The fruit swells best, perhaps, in the shade, but its colour 

 and quality depend on exposure to the sun. Fruits that are fully exposed to light 

 from setting to ripening attain to the highest colour and flavour, and, on the completion 

 of the stoning process, any leaves that shade the fruit should be drawn aside or 

 shortened. 



Gathering the Fruit. When the crop is ripening, a net should be attached by one 

 edge to the wall below the lowest fruit, and the other edge fastened to stakes driven in 

 the ground about 2 feet from the wall, so as to form a " catch " clear of the ground. 

 The fruit, however, is best when properly gathered. Noting the ripening tinge, 

 the expert will take each fruit in the hollow of the hand, apply the thumb and fingers 

 to the back or stem, and ascertain if it is ripe enough for removal. Peaches and 

 nectarines require very careful handling, as the slightest bruise greatly impairs their 

 appearance. The trees should be looked over twice a day, for securing the crops. The 



