100 



RATIONAL FRUIT CULTURE. 



leave a sufficient number of c.ulkins for fertilisation, and as 

 many female flowers as possible; all wood which does not bear 

 either being cut awa\ wmipletely, or else shortened, in such 

 ii manner as to induce the growth of twigs. This is best done 



Fig. 4a Branch of Nut. Bush, with male llowera (catkins), and lemale (very small). 



when the flowers can be seen — about the end of March. The 

 most convenient form of bush consists of six or seven strong 

 stems, pruned as recommended, for Red Currants. The usual 

 distance for planting is ten or twelve feet. 



Nut Weevil. — This small beetle is the only pest likely 

 f'l cM.u.^e serious trouble. It pierces tiie shell of the nut while 

 young iind soft, and lays an egg inside, the maggot hatching 

 about a forliiiglil later and feeding on the kernel. When the 

 nulH full ill autumn the niaggols leave them and enter the 

 ground. Tf they are collecled at onee and burntnl there will 

 be V(!ry few of the weevils in the following vear. 



