158 MANUAL OF GARDENING 
It is very important, when adjusting labels to trees, to be sure 
that the wire is not twisted tight against the wood. Figure 186 
: shows the injury that is likely to result from 
label wires. When a tree is constricted or 
girdled, it is very liable to be broken off by 
winds. It should be a rule to attach the label 
to a limb of minor importance, so that if the 
wire should injure the part, the loss will not be 
serious. When the label, Fig. 182, is applied, 
only the tips of the wire should be twisted 
ih Ieee together, leaving a large loop for the expansion 
tight label wire. of the limb. 
The storing of fruits and vegetables. 
The principles involved in the storing of perishable products, 
as fruits and vegetables, differ with the different commodities. 
All the root-crops, and most 
fruits, need to be kept in a 
cool, moist, and uniform tem- 
perature if they are to be pre- 
served a great length of time. 
Squashes, sweet-potatoes, and 
some other things need to be ee Te co ae ea ak aes 
kept in an intermediate and cellar,’’ still a very useful and con- 
what might be called a high —_Venient storage place. 
temperature; and the atmosphere should be drier than for most 
other products. The low temperature has the effect of arresting 
decomposition and the work of fungi and bacteria. The moist 
atmosphere has the effect of preventing too great evaporation 
and the consequent shriveling. 
In the storing of any commodity, it is very important that 
the product is in proper condition for keeping. Discard all 
specimens that are bruised or are likely to decay. Much of 
the decay of fruits and vegetables in storage is not the fault of 
