246 THE FRUIT GARDEN. [jULY. 



these trees should finally be thinned. This should 

 be done, at all events, previously to their beginning 

 to swell off for ripening, that the full strength of 

 the tree may be thrown into the fruit left upon it ; 

 in order to augment their size, and increase their 

 flavour. 



With respect to the quantity or number proper 

 to be left on a tree, much must depend on its size 

 and strength, and whether it be full grown, or be 

 yet in training. A full grown tree, in a healthy 

 state, may be allowed to produce considerably more 

 than one in a weak condition. And if a tree yet 

 in training, that is, one not having filled the space 

 allotted to it, be allowed to ripen all the fruit it 

 may set, its extension will be much retarded in con- 

 sequence. On the More-Park apricot, and the lar- 

 ger kinds of peaches, in a healthy full-bearing 

 state, a fruit to every foot square of the superficial 

 content, or surface of the tree, may be taken as a 

 good medium ; that is to say, a tree covering a 

 space fifteen feet by twelve, may be allowed to ripen 

 about two hundred fruit. The smaller kinds of 

 apricots and peaches, and of nectarines in general, 

 may be allowed to produce a third part more, if in 

 a healthy state. The larger and better sorts of 

 plums may be thinned in proportion, and according 

 to their sizes; and may be thinned out to from three 

 to six inches apart, if on the shoots of last year, or 

 so as to hang quite free of one another, if on spurs. 



I am aware that many will think thinning to 

 this extent an extraordinary measure ; but I would 

 have such be convinced of the propriety of doing 



