15 



becomes seini-dormant if the nourishment fails ; and when the- rains do come 

 late in autumn, the tree is apt to start a second growth or come in flower out of 

 seasoTi. Besides it is impossible to matiu'e the spui'S if moistm'e fails too early. 



It must be borne in mind that the tree has not only to mature its fruit, but 

 to develop its spm- growth and fruit-buds as well. Apart from this fact, the last 

 action of a tree before going dormant in the late autun-.n is to store up in its tissues 

 (i.e., the cambium layer, or inner bark), and in the spurs and buds and roots, 

 suflicient mitriment to start the tree off in the spring. To note this action of a 

 tree is most important ; for not only does the following fruit-crop depend on the 

 fruit-buds being developed up nice and plump, but the spring growth depends on the 

 stoi-e of nutriment held in the tissues of the trees. A good orchardist can generally 

 tell from the development of the buds what sort of a crop he is likely to have, and he 

 manures accordingly. If he expects a heavy crop, he will fertilise heavily to meet 

 the tree's coming demands, never permitting the tree to become so exhausted as to 

 be unable to mature spur' and bud formation for the following season's crop. It is 

 essential, therefore, that deep and constant cultivation be ixiaintained through the 

 summer months, to supply the necessary moisture. If the moisture fails, no amount 

 of fertiliser is of any value, for the tree cannot take up nourishment except in a 

 soil-water soluble form, and cannot make use of it vmless the foliage is sufficient 

 and healthy. 



ESSE 



