92 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE. 



leaves it may be reduced to two (J ' v\ but if the shoot is not strong, shorten it and sub- 

 sequent growths to one leaf as soon as the point of the shoot is clear of the joint (Jy). 



All side growths should be closely pinched to form spurs, except those required for 

 bearing shoots ; these then grow strong, and if cut back to two good leaves, when they 

 have made six or seven, two shoots will push, and these, if treated similarly to J ij y, are 

 available for next year's bearing. 



This system of training the trees to trellises, when properly carried out, enables the 

 fruits to receive light and air during the whole time they are swelling and ripening, 

 then under good management they attain every essential fitness for table. Too close 

 stopping, also too early and too late pinching, with overcrowding and over-cropping, must 

 be strictly avoided. The application of the short-pruning system to bush, pyramid and 

 standard trees is shown in Fig. 26. 



Routine. The cultural requirements of peach and nectarine trees under glass are 

 identical with those grown against walls. They must not lack water at the roots, the 

 crop should be well nourished, and the foliage ought to be kept clean and healthy by 

 timely syringing, and the judicious use of fungicides and insecticides. Those matters 

 are much influenced by the weather and the conditions of culture ; but the trees always 

 retain the same characteristics, so that it is necessary to well understand the various 

 stages through which they pass in the annual course. 



1. Resting Season. This extends from the fall of the leaf until the swelling of the 

 buds in spring. During that period the trees cannot be kept too cool, but they must not 

 be dry at the roots. It is advisable to remove the roof lights directly the leaves have 

 fallen, and the protection of the roots of trees in pots by placing them closely together 

 and covering the pots over the rims with ashes, or cocoanut-fibre refuse. If the roof 

 lights are not movable, keep the house as cool as practicable. Early in March the 

 buds will commence swelling ; then replace the lights. Houses with fixed roofs should 

 be closed, as it is popularly termed, when the buds begin swelling, and potted trees be 

 placed in their growing positions. 



2. Flowering Stage. It is important that the buds advance slowly, and gradually 

 develop strong blossoms, then be accorded the essential conditions of fertilisation, and 

 safety from frost. The soil, if somewhat dry, must be brought into a thoroughly moist 

 condition, and always so maintained, but not made sodden and sour by needless applica- 

 tions of water. The ventilation cannot be too free until the anthers appear and the 

 petals commence unfolding, provided care is taken to exclude frost. Previous to the. 



