452 Monthly Calendar of Work. 



Pinch off the shoots of blackberries, as described in the chaptei 

 on this fruit. 



Perform the operation of summer-layering the grape early in the 

 month, p. 377. 



Transplant strawberries, p. 412. 



Commence budding all trees that have well formed or matured 

 buds the cherry usually first, then the plum and pear. 



Continue watching for the peach- worm and apple-borer, pp. 146, 

 150, and cut off at their first appearance fire-blighted pear-shoots, 

 and black-knot on the plum. 



Secure cherry-stones for planting, by mixing the washed seeds 

 with moist sand before they have dried, p. 136. 



Give a good supply of air to ripening fruit in heated grape-houses, 

 which will secure both color and flavor. Thin the forming bunches 

 in cold houses, and remove defective or diseased berries, and avoid 

 cold currents of air. 



AUGUST. 



This month is chiefly to be occupied with a continuance of the 

 labors of the past. Destroy weeds ; keep the ground mellow about 

 young trees ; pinch off shoots that are becoming too long in young 

 trees and blackberry bushes ; mulch trees that are suffering from 

 drouth, and transplant strawberries according to directions on 

 p. 412. 



Watch for insects, especially plant lice, which often increase 

 rapidly during the month. Destroy the latter with strong soapsuds 

 or very strong tobacco-water. Keep a constant eye for black-knot 

 on the plum and fire-blight in the pear, and instantly cut off all 

 affected parts. 



Continue budding finishing cherry, plum, and standard pear, and 

 beginning early on apples. Mahalebs, peaches, and quinces may be 

 budded towards the close of the month. Watch budded stocks and 

 remove ligatures as soon as they cut the bark. 



Gather early pears for house-ripening. 



SEPTEMBER. 



Complete the budding of peaches and quince stocks, and timely 

 remove the ligatures. Keep new strawberry beds entirely free from 

 weeds, and unless intended for increasing the plants, cut off the 

 runners. Prune out the useless wood of young trees, and give a 

 good shape to the forming heads growth being now nearly termi- 

 nated, no check will be given to the tree. 



Prepare the ground for new orchards and fruit-gardens, see pages 

 54, 129. 



Top dress orchards, as circumstances require, according to the 

 directions on p. 76. 



