124 



THE FRUIT GARDEN 



Feeding. — This term as applied to man and beast is well understood, and 

 its importance recognised, but with regard to a fruit tree the expression may 

 seem inappropriate, but in reality it is not so, as without due and intelligent 

 attention to this matter success is impossible. To emphasise this point I 

 need only draw attention to the amount of thought and care which is given 

 to this subject in the case of the vine, the peach, the pine, the melon, &c. If 

 the same results are to be obtained, the same practice more or less must be 

 applied to the pear. I have already advised that a ridge of turf should be 

 placed round the base of the stem, so as to form a sort of basin to hold water. 

 Without a provision of this sort there is danger that the water given may filter 

 away into other courses and be wasted. The season during which stimulants 

 may advantageously be applied to the pear is from June to August, that is, 

 from the time the fruit is the size of a cob nut until it is nearly fully 

 developed, and for this purpose there is nothing better than clear liquid 

 manure from the stableyard or the cowshed, occasionally using guano water 

 instead. Late Pear trees should be fed until the end of September. Twice 

 during the season a slight sprinkling of nitrate of soda washed 

 in with water will be of great service. With regard to old and 

 large pear trees, whether in the open or against a wall, more 

 especially the latter, there is no doubt, I think, that the cause 

 of their unsatisfactory condition and indifferent fruiting which 

 one often notices, is frequently caused by dryness at the root. 

 Let me recommend my readers to have them thoroughly and 

 copiously watered in the course of the winter months with 

 weak manure water if possible. In pulling up such trees to be 

 thrown away who has not observed the dust-dry condition of 

 the ground under the roots, therefore do not be afraid of 

 giving heavy waterings occasionally in winter to old and large 

 fruit trees. 



Gathering and Storing the Fruit. — This is one of the 

 most interesting, and certainly one of the most important, 

 duties in connection with the cultivation of the pear. As a 

 general rule it may be safely affirmed that in the case of nearly 

 all the early and mid-season pears, they should be gathered 

 some little time before they are ripe, that is, immediately they 

 show signs of separating from the tree. This can easily be 

 ascertained by taking the fruit in the hand and raising it, 

 when, if fit to pull, the stalk will easily part from the branch. 

 («) Stock; («) point Some early sorts if allowed to become ripe on the tree quickly 

 of shortening deteriorate in flavour. In the case of late pears it is different. 



growth from bud t^, uulii ji i r"" 



to 12 inches from J- nese Should be allowed to hang on the tree as late as possible 



ground. until there is danger of frost, and even a little frost, say five 



or six degrees, will not hurt them. As regards the storing 



or the disposal of the fruit, if intended for market the early and mid-season 



sorts should be despatched certainly ten days before they are ripe, otherwise 



much loss and damage will result by bruising. When for home consumption 



Maiden Tree 



(One Year Old 



FROM Bud) 



