-4- 



it would appear that as a general rule it may bo assumed that any variety, if of 

 good fresh eating quality, viill be satisfactory \7hen frozen. Pears are an 

 exception because they are not v;ell adapted for freezing and the resulting product 

 is usually disappointing. For the best quality frozen fruits it is also 

 important that only top quality rav/ material harvested at the optimum fresh 

 eating stage of maturity be frozen. It is likev;ise important that recommended 

 freezing and packaging procedures be f ollcuved. These may be found in the 

 liassachusetts Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin No, 437 (revised) - 

 "Home Freezing in liassachusetts," This bulletin will be available for distri- 

 bution in the near future, 



Williara B, Esselen, Jr. 



MOMTPILY RODELIT CONTROL NOTES 



Young fruit trees, planted as replacements in old tree sites, are often 

 retarded in groivth, due to being partially or completely girdled by m_LCG, This 

 may be prevented if care is taken, at the time of planting, to carefully fill 

 in the hole left by the removal of the original tree. Before a young tree is 

 planted, the groimd around the area v/here the original tree stood should not 

 only be filled in but trampled dovm firmly, either by running over it with tractor 

 wheels, water soaking, or by other means. This will give afirm, level ground 

 area in which to plant the nev; tree, V'hen this is not done, as so often is seen, 

 mice are furnished an ideal site for reproduction. If the ground is left uneven, 

 mice may construct runways that will furnish routes of travel for several future 

 generations of mice. Placing mulch over the uneven area usually forms pockets 

 Yifhere mice may vfork in perfect safety, 



"^en grubbing around newly set trees, and particularly those set directly 

 in old tree sites, sod should not be left in such a manner as to furnish 

 additional mouse nesting and feeding sites. 



Another reason for keeping a level ground area around newly set trees is 

 that a better job of mowing may be done. Meadow mice are definitely easier to 

 control in an orchard that maintains a smooth orchard floor. The month of June 

 will find many orchardists cutting the first grovrth of grass. Some v;ill let the 

 grass lie where it fell; others will place it around the trees in a ring; and 

 others may haul in extra mulch. luulching is recognized as an excellent orchard 

 practice and should not increase the mouse hazard if done properly. 



If an effective mouse control program is to be carried out, then the 

 following DON'TS are in order: 



(1) Don't place mulch directly against the tree. Place it at least 

 three feet from the tree base, 



(2) Don't place a light, fluffy mulch covering, but apply enough so 

 that the mulch will settle compactly. 



