208 POPULAR FRUIT GROWING. 



must be done early in the spring before growth starts. Budding 

 is usually done in August. 



The Mahaleb stock is hardier than the Mazzard, especially 

 in a dry climate, and is used almost entirely as a stock on which 

 to bud the sour cherries. It is too tender for severe climates. 



The Mazzard is a native of eastern Europe and is used as a 

 stock for sweet cherries. It is not hardy enough for severe 

 locations. It may be used for root grafting, but budding is the 

 method usually employed. 



Where the cherry is on its own roots, suckers may often be 

 taken and planted to advantage. It is a poor plan to follow 

 with grafted or budded stock, however, as the quality of the 

 plant is usually not known. 



A few varieties may be grown by cuttings, but it is a rather 

 uncertain method and is seldom used. 



Top-working. In some sections where the body of the tree 

 is apt to suffer from sunscald or other trouble, varieties may be 

 grafted on resistant trees to advantage. The work must be done 

 early in spring before the buds start. 



Pruning. The cherry needs only enough pruning to keep the 

 tree in shape. In Russia it is grown in bush form and when it 

 becomes too old to be profitable the old parts are cut away and 

 new sprouts take their places. The important thing to remem- 

 ber in connection with this, as well as all other stone fruits, is 

 that they should be trained low. 



Picking and Marketing. Cherries must be picked by hand as 

 soon as they begin to color in order to have them ship well. 

 They require very careful handling, although there is a difference 

 in varieties in this respect. They must not be poured from one 

 receptacle to another. 



They should be packed immediately after picking, precooled 

 and shipped at once. One day lost in starting or in transit may 

 mean a considerable loss when the fruit is put on the market. 

 Cherries are usually packed in ten pound boxes, or in the case 

 of sour cherries, in quart boxes or market baskets. 



Insects and Diseases. The insects and diseases affecting 

 the cherry are much the same as those affecting the plum. 



