14* THE FRUIT GROWERS GUIDE. 



ounces per rod, 150 pounds per acre, at each dressing to trees carrying full crops. 

 Trees that produce little fruit and make enough wood do not require nitrate of soda ; 

 therefore, the cultivator must be guided by the growth and the crops. Soils that con- 

 tain enough potash, as most strong loams do, should be treated with No. 2 mixture 

 only ; where the soil has become deficient in potash by the prolonged annual heavy 

 crops of fruit, No. 1 mixture should be applied in autumn, and be supplemented by 

 No. 2 mixture in spring. 



Mulching. This is a great aid to the health of the trees, and the perfecting of their 

 crops 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 until September. Heavy soils only 

 require mulching on the setting in of dry, hot weather to conserve the moisture, and 

 prevent parching and cracking of the surface. An inch thickness of lumpy material 

 is all that is necessary in ordinary seasons, too heavy mulchings doing more harm 

 than good. (See " Mulching," Vol. I., page 57.) 



Watering and Feeding* Watering pear trees is little practised, but it is a necessity 

 for those on the quince in hot and shallow soils, also for trees in hot and dry positions, 

 for instance, on walls and fences. Judicious waterings in periods of drought secure 

 large juicy fruit ; neglect to supply them, and the fruit becomes mealy or swells 

 indifferently. "Water should be given before the soil becomes too dry for healthy 

 growth, affording adequate supplies from June to September inclusive. (See "Water- 

 ing," Yol. I., page 57.) Liquid manure should be given in the early stages of the 

 fruit swelling, and continued as occasion requires, until it is full grown. Eich liquid 

 materially assists trees carrying full crops. It is best given after the soil has been 

 moistened by watering or rain, for when poured on parched and cracked soil it is 

 simply wasted. (See " Liquid Manure," Yol. I., page 56.) 



Syringing. Except in suburban gardens and on land adjoining dusty roads, pear 

 trees do not require washing with the syringe or garden engine, for with proper supplies 

 of water and nourishment the foliage seldom suffers from red spider. In the locations 

 named, copious washings with clear water refresh and cleanse the leaves and fruit 

 in dry periods, but they must not be practised too often, once or twice a week being 

 all that is necessary to keep the foliage free from sooty and dusty accumulations, so that 

 it may duly perform its functions. 



Preserving the Buds. Although bud-destroying birds pay less attention to pear 

 buds than those of other fruit trees and bushes, they sometimes commit great havoc, 



