I04 



THE FRUIT GARDEN 



growths will provide an excellent crop. On some of the stronger shoots two 

 may be allowed. There will then be about one fruit to each square foot of 

 branch surface ; with this number well grown and perfected every reasonable 

 cultivator will be well satisfied. Good colour is a great desideratum in the 

 peach, and to obtain this the fruit should be well exposed to the sunlight ; not 

 too soon, however, as I believe the young fruit develops better under the 

 partial shade of foliage. As soon as the stoning period of the fruits is over and 



the latter are growing fast, they should be 

 fully exposed to the light. The best way 

 to accomplish this is to place stiff twigs of 

 wood across the trellis from wire to wire 

 beneath the branch, and so bring the fruit 

 above the trellis, afterwards pushing aside 

 any leaves which may overhang the fruit. 

 When thinning the fruits, those below the 

 branches should be removed and those on 

 the upper side left ; the latter can be more 

 easily exposed to the light. The stoning 

 period of the peach commences when the 

 fruit is about the size of a walnut, and will 

 Lateral from an Extension Branch continue for about a fortnight or three 



weeks, during which time the temperature 

 must be slightly lowered and more air 

 admitted. To ascertain when stoning is 

 completed cut a fruit, and if the stone is so hard that a knife will make no 

 impression, then it is safe to conclude that stoning is over, and the usual 

 conditions may again be provided. 



Treatment of Ripe Fruits. — To the experienced cultivator, gathering, 

 harvesting, and disposing of the fruit will cause no anxiety, but to the 

 inexperienced a word of caution and advice is necessary. For a week or so 

 before the fruit is quite ripe, if the weather is very hot, place a net (single 

 thickness) upon the roof to prevent the fruit being burned and disfigured by 

 the sun. A net should also be suspended under the tree to receive any ripe 

 fruits which may not have been noticed when gathering. Many do not know 

 when to pluck a ripe peach from the tree. Knowledge of this description can 

 only be acquired by experience, and instruction in the matter is difficult to 

 convey. The general appearance of the fruit will indicate approaching ripe- 

 ness, but the final test must be that of the touch. The last portion of a 

 peach to ripen is that around the stalk, and to this part must be applied 

 the real test of ripeness. Should the flesh yield easily to the touch then the 

 fruit is ripe ; if, on the other hand, it does not, gathering must be deferred. 

 Handle a ripe peach very lightly as the least unnecessary pressure will disfigure 

 it, taking away many points from its quality either as an exhibition or dessert 

 fruit. Never expose the ripening fruits to a chance of chill by unduly lower- 

 ing the temperature of the house, or place them when gathered in too low a 

 temperature. 



(J) Point of pinching ; (i) point of winter 

 pruning. 



