PEACHES AND NECTARINES 103 



to use this manure is a few days after tiie border has received a thorough water- 

 ing. When a border has been for some months, as during the winter, without 

 water, it is surprising what a quantity of water is needed to thoroughly saturate 

 the soil, which should be soaked through from top to bottom. 



Another light dressing of Thomson's manure may be applied when the 

 Peachef are half grown. Take a little over half the quantity given for the 

 first dressing. It is not necessary to depend wholly on one manure. In fact, 

 a couple of waterings during the season with manure water fiom the farmyard 

 is very beneficial, provided it is not used too strong. 



This question of feeding is an ail-important one. The skillful cultivator 

 is able to judge when to give food, and the kind of food best suited to the wel- 

 fare of his crop. While plants cannot talk, yet their needs may be observed 

 by studying the foliage, through which plant life finds its best expression. From 

 its appearance the grower will know when to feed and when to refram. In a 

 plant that has been fed to the limit, the foliage has substance, with the different 

 veins standing out prominently. If the foliage feels brittle to the touch, the 

 plant has been overfed, and it should receive no further nourishment for a time; 

 otherwise, damage may be done. This applies both to fruit and flowers. An 

 interesting and instructive book might be written on the advantages and dis- 

 advantages of feeding. Many a piomising crop has been practically ruined 

 through overfeeding. To be successful, every grower should study this question 

 thoroughly, for experience is the best guide in the end. 



Nectarine of rich flavor. Not so highly colored 

 worthy of a place in the forcing house 



