20 



tion. Of course this varies with cir exams tances and no 

 definite time can be stated as to, when the fruit shoxild 

 be picked. In this case the pickers will have to rely 

 own their judgement. However, there are some definite 

 signs which accompany pears and apples that will enable 

 one to tell when the fruit is ready for gathering. I.ia- 

 turity is indicated by the dark-brown color of the seeds 

 in both pears and apples, but as these cannot be examin- 

 ed, external appearances must serve as a guide. Early 

 apples are best when they attain fvll color and are be- 

 ginning to get soft. Winter apples should be mature but 

 not ripe. The late winter varieties should be gathered 

 wh^n theym are yet hard and before they have been in- 

 jured by heavy winter frosts. If thej'- are allowed to re 

 main on the trees in bad weather it is almost useless to 

 store them with the hopes of keeping them long. In such 

 case it will be a loss of both time and money. Maturi- 

 ty in pears, however, is indicated by a slight change 

 in the color of the skin and by the readiness with 

 which the stem separates from the tree when the pear is 

 lifted by the hand, Thomas says that there are excep- 

 tions to this rule. He says * that the bartlett, for 

 instance, may be picked even before it has attained full 

 size and in a week or two, will ripen into a fine, melt- 



* American Pruit Culturist, 



