ORCHARD FRUITS 45 



when this precaution is observed than when a rough 



and jagged surface is left. 



To obtain best results in removing large branches 

 two cuts should be made ; that is, the branch should 

 be sawed off i8 or 20 inches above the point of its 

 origin to prevent splitting down and tearing off a 

 considerable portion of the bark. After the weight 

 of the branch has been lessened by cutting away 

 the main part a second cut can be made and the 

 stub held in position until the cut is completed. 

 This prevents the splitting down and tearing off 

 the bark, which is likely to result from the careless 

 removal of large branches. 



The evil results of splitting can be overcome fre- 

 quently by cutting first on the under side of the 

 limb and then upon the upper side, so that the 

 breaking of the tissue occurs near the middle of the 

 wound instead of at one side. When this is the 

 case, tearing and splitting seldom occur. 



STORING FRUIT 



" After trying many different methods of keeping 

 the winter supply of vegetables," writes L. Hunt 

 of Orleans County, Vermont, " I have settled 

 upon the following plan as best suited to my needs : 

 Apples I tried in barrels, boxes, and wrapped in 

 paper on shelves. I then tried spreading them out 

 not more than three or four deep on the cellar 

 bottom, which is of soil and dry. Wealthy apples 

 picked early, before they become fully ripe and 

 mellow, will keep until March. Last year some 

 were on hand the first of May. They were juicy 

 and crisp, but had lost their tartness somewhat. I 

 find that all fruit intended for long keeping should 

 be gathered before fully ripe. The flavor is not 



