CARE OF THE FRUIT GARDEN. 39 



Two or three inches in depth of floury earth is 

 the best mulch we can provide. Beyond the or- 

 dinary implements of the garden a hand-engine 

 or forcing-pump will be essential for the purpose 

 of syringing and applying the various remedies 

 against insects. Some light pattern which draws 

 from a pail, like the Johnson patent, is most 

 convenient. The Waters pruning pole is also 

 indispensable, doing the work of pruning with 

 great ease. If this is attended to at the proper 

 time there will be little occasion to use the saw. 



IRRIGATION. 



Notwithstanding the boasted power of human 

 skill and energy, the works of man are so feeble 

 in comparison with the mighty forces of nature, 

 that it seems almost useless to attempt watering 

 during a time of drought. During the season of 

 active vegetation and evaporation most soils in 

 our climate would be benefited by an inch of 

 rain-fall in every five days, or six inches in a 

 month. This involves 27,000 gallons, or 108 

 tons, of water to an acre, every five days. As 

 the amount of rain often falls below one inch 

 and seldom exceeds three inches per month, it 

 is an important question whether we can under- 

 take to supply such an enormous quantity to 

 make up the deficiency. In the older States 



