PEARS, CHERRIES, PLUMS 



ter Nelis are less self-fertile than some of the 

 other yarieties. 



While the pear thrives best in a fairly rich 

 loam, yet it may be injured by a loam too rich. 

 Cultivate the surface of the soil until July 1, 

 then sow a cover crop under the trees for win- 

 ter protection of the roots. In the home gar- 

 den where there are but few trees, a mulch of 

 straw or manure will do. 



All pruning should be done early in the 

 spring before the sap flows. Cut out aU limbs 

 that cross and form the head as symmetrically 

 as possible, allowing the sunlight and air to 

 reach all parts of the tree and thus prevent 

 the deadly action of blight. The branches on 

 the other hand should not be exposed to the 

 direct rays of the sun. Maintain sufficient 

 foliage to protect the bark. On starting the 

 top, cut back the leaders to about twelve to 

 fourteen inches from the ground. Each year 

 cut back the young growth to about half and 

 always keep the head of the tree low. Pears 

 are sometimes planted close to a wall and tied 



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