62 FRUIT GARDEN. 
defect of climate and poverty of soil; in which case a more 
sheltered situation and more generous treatment are the 
most effectual remedies. Fruit trees should never, if pos- 
sible, be allowed to become stunted; for in this state they 
produce only worthless fruit, and acquire a habit which 
scarcely admits of melioration. 
Protection of Blossom.—In our variable climate, and 
particularly in the northern and eastern parts of the coun- 
try, it is very desirable that the horticulturist should be 
provided with the means of defending the blossom of his 
fruit-trees from the late frosts in spring. For this purpose 
some cultivators partially cover their walls with branches 
of spruce-fir or beech, or the fronds of the common braken 
fern (Pteris aquilina), fastened firmly by several points of 
attachment, to prevent rubbing. Others recommend frames 
covered with bunting, osnaburgh or similar light fabrics, 
set in a sloping position in front of the trees. Screens 
formed of reeds have been used, and nettings of worsted- 
yarn or of straw-ropes have been employed with good effect. 
Whatever contrivance serves to interrupt radiation, though 
it may not keep the temperature much above freezing, will 
be found sufficient. Standard fruit-trees must be left to 
their fate, and, indeed, from the lateness of their flowering, 
they are generally more injured by blight, and by drench- 
ing rains, which wash away the pollen of the flowers, than 
by the direct effects of cold. In not a few cases it is found 
very useful to promote the setting of blossom, by directly 
applying it to pollen from flowers of some other tree of the 
game species. 
Protection of Fruit.—If the blossom requires to be 
guarded, equally so does the fruit, from the moment it be- 
gins to color till it be plucked for the table. Wasps and 
other insect enemies are often ensnared by means of phials 
