192 THE FRUTT GROWER'S GUIDE. 



avoided, the plum being impatient of extremes. As the fruit advances in ripening 

 lessen the supplies of water and withhold liquid manure, but the foliage must not be 

 allowed to become limp through lack of moisture at tho roots. 



From the time the fruit is set, the trees should be syringed morning and afternoon 

 until it changes for ripening, except on dull, cold days, when a genial atmosphere 

 may be secured by clumping the paths and borders as they become dry. Syringing 

 the trees must cease when the colouring of the fruit commences, and the atmospheric 

 moisture be gradually reduced, but moderate humidity is necessary for the health of 

 the trees. Hexagon netting is necessary to exclude wasps. After the fruit is removed 

 recourse must be had to syringing, watering, and proper supplies of nourishment for 

 the perfecting of the wood and buds for next year's crop. The trees should be placed 

 outside as soon as the fruit is gathered, assigning them a sunny position, and duly 

 attending to them in watering and syringing. 



Ke-potting or top-dressing is best done before the leaves fall. The object of these 

 operations is to secure fresh roots in new material ; therefore, remove as much old soil 

 as possible without excessive root disturbance not carrying the reduction too far, 

 and ram the soil firmly. In top-dressing trees in borders the old mulching should be 

 removed, and fresh supplied after loosening the surface. If the trees are growing 

 too freely, a few of the stronger roots may be severed and removed ; if exuberantly, 

 they should be carefully lifted and root-pruned, re-planting with the roots near the 

 surface and well firming the soil. If the trees are weakly or unsatisfactory, lift 

 them, remove the old soil and re-plant in fresh over good drainage. 



As to the training and pruning of the trees, there is no material difference between 

 those under glass and outdoors. Bush, pyramid, and round-headed trees on stems are 

 the best both for pots and planting out on the natural system. A pyramid is easily 

 formed by pinching the side shoots and topping the leader to secure the requisite 

 branches, and the side shoots from these should be stopped at three leaves, taking 

 care to avoid overcrowding. Pruning may be done in the spring, as the buds are 

 then better distinguished by the inexperienced, but as soon as the fruit is gathered 

 is the best time. 



Trees on trellises or walls require the pruning advised for fan-trained outside 

 The trellises, as before advised, must be near the glass, for on back walls the trees are 

 not very satisfactory, unless the house be a mere wall case narrow and light. Those 

 on trellises 18 inches from the glass are best treated on the alternative system. 



