234 THE PEACH AND NECTABINE. 



taken. Where flued walls are employ eel , their aid for a few weeks in the 

 autumn would prove as serviceable as in the spring. Glass screens, again, 

 to resist the frost, would be of equal service in giving the finishing 

 touches to the maturation of the fruit. Common garden frame lights 

 with or without the frames may often be set up against peach walls in 

 the autumn with the happiest results. Such contrivances are easily 

 applied and result in the most complete success. A good deal may also 

 bo done by placing common roofing tiles on the borders in front of the 

 walls. This reflects more heat on to the trees and helps to mature the 

 fruit. These may also be so placed as to shed off the water, and root 

 dryness, if not carried to an excess, assists the perfect ripening of the fruit. 

 Neither the peach nor nectarine should be grown in unfavourable 

 localities, or some special means must be used for ripening them, as 

 in a semi-ripe condition the fruit is simply uneatable. 



F. — Gathering. 



This apparently common operation is quite a, delicate art. There is 

 hardly a better test of skill in a practical horticulturist than his mode 

 of handling such fruits. The statement may excite surprise to many, 

 for perhaps in the majority of gardens peaches and nectarines are not 

 gathered at all. They are allowed to fall into a net, or muslin, or canvas 

 screen, set for them at or near the base of the wall. This practice is one 

 of the most fatal mistakes in peach culture. Each peach ripe enough to 

 fall of itself has already passed its meridian of perfect flavour. The 

 glory of its flavour, the indescribable richness and sparkling freshness of 

 its aroma, have already departed. It is like a stale glass of champagne. 

 Every hour, every minute, it lies there in the sun and air it becomes more 

 fit to be food for pigs than a delight to the epicure and a pleasure to all 

 who know what a peach or nectarine should be. Each fruit should be 

 gathered a day or two before it would fall if it is to be eaten in 

 perfection. 



As to the mode of gathering, it is difScult to describe, though easy in 

 practice to the initiated. The hand should be specially clean and soft, 

 and if not soft covered with a kid glove. The peach is then embraced 

 by the fingers and taken into the palm of the hand, grasped lightly though 

 firmly, so as not even to bruise its delicate down. The fruit then 

 receives a gentle wrench, and should be laid in a basket lined with cotton 

 wool, and carried carefully in single layers to the fruit room. 



Even the time of gathering is important. Peaches and nectarines 

 should not be gathered when heated with the sun. From 7 to 9 a.m., before 



