162 THE NURSERY AND THE ORCHARD. 



broken by overbearing ; the fruit is better, and the trees 

 longer-lived. But we must not go from one extreme to 

 another. While no pruning leaves the tree unsightly 

 and short-lived, the results of shortening-in are about as 

 bad if the proper attention is not given the trees after- 

 wards. The dense undergrowth which follows the prun- 

 ing must be kept thinned out, so as to admit air and sun- 

 light, and leave the tree with an open, well-balanced 

 head. Good judgment and some experience, on the part 

 of the peach grower, will enable him to keep his trees in 

 symmetrical shape and well supplied with bearing wood, 

 at the same time guarding against injuries caused by the 

 breaking of limbs from overbearing. The hardiest and 

 longest-lived trees of an orchard are often found in fence 

 corners where they are protected against the hot summer 

 sun and injuries from the plow. 



An application of woods earth, or chip manure mixed 

 with ashes or lime, is an excellent fertilizer for peach or- 

 chards. 



VARIETIES OF FREESTONES. 



ALBERT SIDNEY. 

 Medium, oblontr, creamy white, with crimson cheek; 

 flesh rich, melting; Chinese type. July. 

 AMELIA. 

 Large, conical, white skin, with a shade of crimson; 

 flesh white, very juicy and sweet ; flowers small. July. 



ALEXANDER. 



Medium, dark red skin ; flesh greenish white, very 

 juicy and sweet; adheres slightly to the stone ; tree vig- 

 orous and productive ; the most popular of the very early 

 k:inds. May and June. 



