CULTIVATION OF FRUIT 475 



to start naturally into growth in spring. When the young shoots are 

 half an inch long commence to disbud, removing all those shoots 

 growing out from the front of the branches, and leaving as many on 

 each side of the previous year's branches as can be laid in without 

 crowding. Should any extra strong shoots start from the centre of 

 the tree, cut them clean away, as if allowed to remain they will rob the 

 rest of the trees of sap. Tie the growths to the trellis, keeping them 

 as straight and even as possible, and freely syringing them every fine 

 afternoon, to keep red-spider at bay. Admit plenty of air, keep the 

 border moist, and when the foliage commences to change colour in 

 autumn keep the ventilators open continually. When the wood is 

 ripe prune the trees, cutting the shoots back into the firm wood, and 

 training them carefully to the trellis, finally washing the woodwork 

 and glass with warm soapy water, the walls with lime-wash, and pick- 

 ing the border over with a fork. Early in the following February 

 close the house, well water the border, and syringe the trees with 

 tepid water morning and afternoon in fine weather. Admit air liber- 

 ally but cautiously, and when the trees are in bloom maintain a 

 temperature of 50 degrees with a rise of 10 or 15 degrees from sun heat, 

 together with a rather dry atmosphere, and give the trellis a sharp rap 

 at midday to disperse the pollen, and assist in setting the fruits. 

 Syringing must be discontinued while the trees are in flower, but 

 again resorted to directly the fruit is set. The border and pathways 

 of the house must also be sprinkled several times daily. Disbud 

 piecemeal, commencing at the top of the tree and removing a few 

 shoots daily. A shoot should be left at the base of each fruit-bearing 

 lateral, and one at the extremity, all the intermediate shoots being 

 removed. If the fruits set thickly, a few of them must be removed at 

 a time, and the rest left about 6 inches apart. Keep the border 

 moist, admit air freely in fine weather, and if green-fly or thrip makes 

 its appearance, fumigate the house mildly several times with tobacco 

 paper. As soon as the fruit is stoned, the final thinning must be made, 

 leaving them 9 inches or 10 inches apart. Close the house early 

 on sunny afternoons, to shut in all the sun heat possible, and induce 

 the fruit to swell. Water trees carrying heavy crops with weak liquid 

 manure, or sprinkle a little native guano on the surface, and water it 

 in. When the fruit commences to colour cease syringing, and mulch 

 the border with short manure or dry bracken to prevent rapid evapora- 

 tion. A somewhat dry atmosphere and a liberal supply of air night 

 and day are necessary for the production of large, richly-flavoured fruit. 

 After the fruit is gathered, all shoots which have borne fruit must be 

 cut out, in order to admit all the light and air possible to the current 

 year's wood. Very little pruning will then be necessary in winter. 

 From this time until the leaves fall off, plenty of water at the roots and 

 a continual supply of air will be the chief requirements. 



The Peach requires much the same treatment as the Nectarine. 

 Good varieties will be found in the table on p. 609. 



Nuts. The amateur gardener in the country could often grow 



