PEARS, PEACHES, QUINCES, ETC. 



173 



longer than the Japanese when well cared for. Fig. 62 

 shows trees more than thirty years old, that bear large 

 crops of fruit every other year, few varieties bearing 

 every year. For success a strong, moist, but well-under- 

 drained soil, situated where the water and cold will 

 drain off and abate quickly, is essential. The trees 

 should be planted where there is full exposure to the 

 north and west, yet with a good circulation of air and 

 sunlight about them. 



FIG. 62 Plum Trees Over Thirty Years Old. 



Strong, one-year-old trees budded upon the myroba- 

 lan stock or native stock should be selected. They are 

 pruned and prepared for planting in the same manner 

 as the apple, the top, however, being cut to a clean whip- 

 stock from three to four feet high. Clean and frequent 

 cultivation should be given, and a little fertilizer con- 

 taining a large percentage of potash and phosphoric acid 

 if they are not making satisfactory growth. 



The planting and summer care are practically the same 

 as for the apple and peach. The trees, however, will 

 need more heading in to make the lower branches grow. 



