VI] ]MAY— JUNE 91 



fruits, but do not thin too severely. It is a good 

 practice to take off a few fruits weeldy. Of course, 

 thinning of fruits only applies to cases where there 

 is an abundance, for if there is a light, or very 

 small crop, no thinning will be necessary. Too 

 many should not be taken off at once. The final 

 thinning should not take place until after the 

 stoning. The best way to know when the stones 

 are formed is to cut a few fruits, and if the stones 

 are quite hard, then they are all right, and the final 

 thinning should take place. 



The first surface-dressing may be applied when 

 the fruits have attained the size of a small walnut, 

 but not before. 



None of the soil from the pots should be re- 

 moved, but place the compost, whatever it may 

 be, on the top of the soil so that it comes about 

 two inches above the rims of the pots. Leave a 

 small hollow, or bowl-shaped space round the stem 

 of each tree, as this makes the best receptacle for 

 the water. 



Watch the weather during this month, and 

 give ventilation early in the morning, when warm, 

 allowing the temperature to range from 60° to 70°. 

 Should it exceed this, ventilate freely, and close 

 house at night. 



June. — Place out-of-doors all apples, pears, 

 and plums that are not required to ripen their 



