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GARDENING FOR THE SOUTH. 



Care should be taken that the branches are not permitted 

 to divide in forks, as they are exceedingly apt to split, to 

 the great detriment of the tree. The peach, like all other 

 fruit trees, should be suffered to branch low within twelve 

 or eighteen inches of the surface, and kept in as near 

 either a pyramidal or vase form as its nature admits. 



But the loss of peaches by decay, as they approach ma- 

 turity, is more annoying than anything else in peach cul- 

 ture. If the season is warm and wet, very few kinds ripen 

 well if on moist or very rich soils. There is a very com- 

 mon opinion, that peaches propagated from the stones of 

 fruit not fully ripe, are more liable to rot than those pro- 

 pagated from the pits of fully matured peaches. Is there 

 any evidence to sustain this opinion ? Some also think 

 decay and dropping of stone fruits is caused by planting 

 the trees too deep. It is however, certain, that some vari- 

 eties are much more subject to decay than others placed in 

 the same position. Much, also, depends upon the soil. The 

 most suitable soils, to ripen sound and high-flavored fruit, 

 are dry, and but moderately fertile — a hill-side being as 

 good a situation as any. If it faces the north, the crop 

 will be less liable to be cut off by spring frosts, but will 

 hardly be as fine flavored. Thinning the fruit, so that no 

 two peaches touch each other, is very necessary in order 

 to prevent decay at the point of contact. 



Uses. — The peach is mostly used in its fresh state for 

 the dessert, and is generally considered the most delicious 

 fruit of temperate climates. When allowed to ripen on 

 the tree, it is the most wholesome of fruits, and as an 

 article of food is considerably nutritious. Peaches are also 

 used for pies, are preserved in brandy or sugar, and are 

 excellent, when dried, for winter use. For culinary pur- 

 poses, the clings are most esteemed. Peaches and milk 

 form a delicious dessert dish. For drying, take those of 



