102 REPORT OX THK No. 2-1- 



usually headed lower than other large fruits, from two to three feet from tht 

 ground being- the usual distance at which the head is started. For the first two 

 or three years pruning- should be carefully done in order to get a well balanced 

 top with four or fi\e strong- branches, avoiding bad crotches. In order to keep 

 the tree within bounds, severe heading- back is necessary until the trees come 

 into full bearing-, the usual practice being to head back from one-half to two- 

 thirds of the previous year's growth ever}' spring, at the same time removing 

 altogeth.er branches which will make the top too crowded. The object is to have 

 a tree which will bear fruit all through the head instead of merely on the outsiae 

 or at the top of the tree. 



1 he low heading of peach trees is rapidly gaining in popularity with peach 

 growers. By this system the tree has very little bare trunk, the lowest branches 

 starting from near the ground, while the highest is not more than eighteen inches. 

 The trees are kept severely headed back especially at the top, the result being 

 that much stockier trees are formed. The advantages of this system are that 

 the fruit is picked easier, that there is more bearing wood, that there is less injury 

 from wind, and that the trees can be sprayed to greater advantage. 



The cultivation of peach orchards should be verv thorough to produce vigoi- 

 ous growth as the proportion of strong new growth which is made, regulates to 

 a large extent the size of the crop, for peaches, unlike most other large fruits, 

 are borne on the vi'ood made the previous year. 



Cover crops are very desirable in peach orchards, as the peach soils are 

 usually deficient in humus which cover crops suppl}', and the latter protect the 

 roots of the trees in winter, thus lessening the danger from root killing. As 

 peach trees when in full bearing draw heavily on the potash in the soil, a good 

 application of unleached ashes every two or three years is beneficial, and muriate 

 of potash and bone meal applied at the rate of about 200 pounds per acre each, 

 annually should do much good, especiallv when barnvard manure cannot be ob- 

 tained. 



Where it can be managed, it usually pays well to thin peaches on the tree. 

 This is done when they are about the size of small hickory- nuts, the peaches be- 

 ing left from four to six and even eight inches apart on the branches. 



It requires judgment to know just when to pick a peach, as much will depend 

 upon the distance it is to be shipped. \Vhen intended for immediate consump- 

 tion, no one is likely to pick a peach until it is ready to eat, but for a distan. 

 market it must be still firm, though well colored. Fruit which is picked on the 

 green side never attains its full flavor and unfortunately much fiuit (if this class 

 reaches the market, and it undoubtedly lessens the consumption of this fine fruit. 

 Bruising of peaches should be avoided, hence great care should be taken in 

 handling- them. 



Varieties Recommended. 



General List, Approved by the Bo.\rd of Control. 



Ccmmercial : 



Sneed: Whitefieshed, clingstone, quality only fair, earliest of all. 



Alexander: Whitefieshed, clingstone. 



Hynes: Whitefieshed, semi-clinf!;, quality good. 



St. John: Ytllowfleshed, freestone, quality good. 



Mountain Hose: Whitefl"slied. freestone, quality very good. 



Early Crawford: Yelloivflpshed. freestone, quality very good. 



Champion : Whitefieshed, freestone, quality very good, for home use, or near markets. 



Brigdon: Yellowfleshed, freestone, quality' good, 



Fitzgerald: Yellowfleslied, freestone, quality very good. 



Tieeves: Yellowfleshed, freestone, quality fair, large size. 



Elberta: Yellowfleshed, freestone, quality fair, good for long distance ,'ihipments. 



