118 RATIONAL FRUIT CULTURE. 



\IARCH. 



Apples, Pears, Plums. — Stir the surface soil round the 

 trees. Graft. 



Apricots, Nectarines, Peacties. — Prune and protect open- 

 ing flowers by means of netting. 



Black Cnrrants. — Dust with lime and sulphur bushes 

 showing " big bud." 



Nnts. — Prune. 



Strawberries. — Hoe in dry weather. 



Vines. — Rods slung down from the wires should be tied 

 up again after the buds burst. Spray occasionally on sunny 

 days. 



APRIL. 



Apples, Pears, Plums.— Continue grafting. If bees are 

 few, fertilise the blossoms by hand. Hoe all fruit crops as 

 soon as possible, not only this month, but also throughout the 

 summer. 



Apricots, Nectarines, Peaches. — Nets used to protect the 

 blossom should remain until May. Thin Apricot shoots. 



Black Currants.— For "big bud" repeat last month's 

 application. 



Pigs. — Prune. 



Tines. — Admit more air. When the flowers open, tap 

 the rods to scatter the pollen. Thin out l;il,erals. If mealy- 

 bug is |ircsenl, apply spirits of wine with a brush. Remove 

 winliT mulch from ihe border and stir the surface soil. 



Insects and Diseases. — Destroy nests of lackey-moth cater- 

 pillars, and spray for Apple sav\fly, Pear midge, bnuvii rot. and 

 gummosis. 



Apples, Pears, Plums.- 'i'hin crowded shoots. Manure 

 eilher :tB a mulch, or in iicjuid form, may be applied to trees 

 •n whieh the friiil is set when Ihe crop is heaTy. 



