90 FRUIT TREES IN POTS [ch. 



gentle syringing each morning. This will assist 

 both trees and fruit in developing. 



JMay. — AVatch the growth of trees, and if any 

 of the shoots require pinching, see that this is 

 done. 



The watering should be well attended to, for 

 at this season of the year it will be quite safe to 

 give a liberal supply when necessary. The same 

 rule A\'ill apply as mentioned in the pre\'ious month, 

 only it will be advisable to watch the soil around 

 the rims of the pots. Should the soil be found 

 to be parting from the pots, fill up the space at 

 once, using either the hook used for potting, or a 

 pointed stick, for the purpose. This is an im- 

 portant matter, for if the soil is allowed to part 

 from the rim of the pot, the water "will find a 

 quick outlet through the space, and so the ball of 

 soil will receive little or no water, and the result 

 may be serious. 



This should be observed until the trees are 

 surface-dressed. 



Let the watering be done in the morning, or 

 not later than midday, and syringe in the morn- 

 ing only. A slight sprinkle should be given to 

 the borders and paths of the house when closing in 

 the evening. 



A further thinning of the fruit will be needed, 

 so remove all deformed and some of the smallest 



