294 



THINNING AND HARYKSTIM; FRUIT 



and have reached full size. Summer apples and early 

 fall varieties are sometimes picked before this time. Win- 

 ter apples are harvested when they are well colored, of 

 full size, and separate readily from the spur. 



Pears should be harvested Avhen they are of full size, of 

 good color, but while still firm. As soon as the fruit has 

 reached this stage and separates from the spur by raising 

 it upward, the crop may be picked and left to ripen in a 

 cool, dark place. 



Plums are picked when they are fully colored but still 

 firm. In the home orchard, they should be left to ripen 

 on the trees. The Japanese varieties may be harvested 

 before they are ripe, as they will color and ripen after 

 picking. During seasons when the rot is serious the fruit 

 may be gathered slightly earlier, although this disease 

 proves destructive even after the fruit is picked. 



Fig. 157- Picking and packing cherries. 



