187 
somewhat conical cylinder, and every berry grows to a larger and 
more uniform size. In this country, however, where labour is so 
dear and grapes so cheap, and where, above every other reason, the 
mass of the consumers will give little more for grapes of extra 
quality than they would for ordinary fruit, it is questionable whe- 
ther thinning grapes on a large scale and except for special pur- 
poses can be recommended as profitable. In my opinion, it would 
be better, under the conditions that obtain here, to regulate the crop 
by proper pruning in the winter time. 
To conclude these notes on thinning fruit, it may be said that 
the grower who allows his trees to overbear, and the stock-owner 
alike who overstocks his run, both show an error of judgment; 
neither will attain the full measure of success which both might well 
reach but for following wrong methods. 
THE DROPPING OF FRUIT. 
There may be an “early” drop or a “late” drop. “Harly” drop 
results generally from deficient fertilisation, as in the case of the 
Smyrna fig, where the male Capri fig and the fertilising wasp are 
absent. In other cases a flower may be pollinated and yet fertilisa- 
tion not take place. Fertilisation causes fruit to set, but even slight, 
unfavourable influences may lead to the fruit losing its hold and so 
perish. 
“Mid-season” drop is independent of fertilisation. Weather 
conditions have much to do with it; a cold snap, a thunderstorm, a 
prolonged drizzle at a low temperature, deficient light inside trees 
with thick heads. 
The “early” drop, especially of the peach, is also often caused 
by the exhaustion of the food stored in the tree the previous year, 
especially before the leaves have had time to fully expand. Liberal 
manuring remedies this defect. 
‘“Mid-season” drop in late summer is also often due to the extra 
demand for food the fruits make when the seeds are forming. A 
drought, a hot wind, will accentuate this. Lack of fertilisers and 
deficient nutrition, as want of phosphates, potash, lime, brings this 
about. 
“Late” drop is often caused by fruits with short fruit stalks 
pressing one another out, especially when they grow in clusters. 
MANURES AND MANURING. 
The fruit-grower, having secured fruit trees and vines suitable 
for the purpose he has in view, will find few more profitable invest- 
ments than the expenditure of a few shillings per acre in suitable 
