354 IRRIGATION OF THE ORCHARD. 



Thus the effect produced is like that of a drought 

 which hastens its maturity ; and, consequently, if 

 persisted in, it will weaken and eventually destroy 

 the plant. 



lVaferin(j. Fruit is increased in size, when it is 

 growing, by a good supply of water ; and if extra- 

 ordinary specimens are desired, it is necessary to 

 apply it artificially. The effect of irrigation upon 

 the strawberry has been illustrated in the chapter 

 upon pruning. It has been stated by some straw- 

 berry growers that it is profitable to keep one man 

 watering every half-acre while the fruit is green. 

 This should be done before it begins to color, for 

 this indicates that the saccharine fermentation has 

 commenced, after which the berry ceases to grow. 

 Irrigation, of course, detains the maturity of the 

 fruit, as the time is spent in growing which Avould 

 otherwise be occupied in fermentation, but the berry 

 is much larger and finer. In producing specimens 

 of other fruits for exhibition, irrigation will increase 

 the size very perceptibly. The water is poured by 

 means of a little trough scraped with the hoe at 

 some distance from the trunk of the tree, so that it 

 may reach the fibrous roots through which the tree 

 is nourished. If it consists of diluted sewerage 

 water, with a small proportion of urine, tlie effect is 

 still more obvious. Mulching answers the same 

 purpose, while it has the superiority of keeping the 

 supply of moisture constant. 



