CH. 8.] PEACHES AND NECTARINES. 163 



So that, it would appear, it were well to be 

 contented with a fair crop ; which is bet- 

 ter, in the end, both for the tree and its 

 owner. 



But, certainly, nothing can be more 

 cenfurable than the practice of thofe who 

 negligently fufFer every fruit the tree may 

 let, to -remain on it 5 evidently to the inju- 

 ry of the whole crop, and ultimately to 

 the ruin of the plant. And, of what value 

 or flavour are this multitude of nutmegs, 

 compared with the graceful appearance 

 and relifli of well-fized fruit ? 



It is cuftomary to let the fruit drop of 

 its own accord, when ripe ; and, for this 

 purpofe, the border is covered with mofs, 

 and nets or mats are hung againft the trel- 

 lis to catch them. I have ever been of 

 opinion, that all kinds of fruits, except 

 grapes, lofe much of their flavour if they 

 are fuffered to remain on the plant till 

 dead ripe ; and, in conformity thereto, 

 have made it a pradice to pull my Peaches 

 and Nectarines. 



I have often been afked, Ht)w I came to 

 know when they are fit for pulling ? (as 

 handling or feeling them is improper). 



L 2 This 



