FRUIT GROWING PROBLEMS 



137 



A. We think that this is a question of the varieties of Peaches 

 you may happen to grow, as the Clingstone varieties often have 

 this failing. You say that your trees are very healthy, and the fruits 

 very fine, therefore the stringiness cannot be the fault of the cultural 

 treatment. 



Fertilising Melon Flowers 



Q. I understand that the female flowers of Melons have to be 

 fertilised ; could you tell me how to tell the female flowers and how 

 to fertilise them 1G. V. W., Cheshire. 





GROWTH OF MELON SHOWING 

 MALE OR POLLEN FLOWER. 



MELON SHOOT SHOWING 

 FEMALE FLOWER. NOTE 

 THE EMBRYO FRUIT AT A. 



A. You will readily recognise the female flowers of the Melon 

 by the embryo fruit at the base, and by the absence of anthers (bear- 

 ing pollen), while the male flowers bear anthers only, no stigma. To 

 fertilise the female blossoms, pluck a male flower and apply the 

 pollen from the anthers to the stigma of the former. The best time 

 to do this is about midday. The atmosphere is then likely to be 

 dry ; a dry air is necessary to fertilisation. In wet, dull weather 

 Melon fruits often fail to " set " or form. 



Pears and Plums under Glass 



Q. I have a Peach house, facing south, with a high wall, and I 

 should like to grow some Cordon Pears and Plums on the back, as 

 it is not a very good district for growing fruit outside. If you think 

 it is a suitable position, I should be glad if you would name a few 

 varieties. W. W., Walsall. 



