WATERING TOPS. 



73 



veyed to it, and afterwards distributed to 

 every part. 



Watering the tops of fruit trees immedi- 

 ately after the blossom cast their petals is 

 very condusive to the securing of fruit, for 

 without watering at that time, when the 

 weather is dry, not one quarter of the fruit 

 which sets will stand, nor half so much as 

 when the trees are watered as directed. 



The water suitable for this purpose must 

 be pure soft water, if this cannot conveniently 

 be had, and water from a well must be used, 

 let it be exposed to the atmosphere for a few 

 days previous to using it; also cast into it a 

 few spades full of earth or quick lime. Soap 

 suds are very beneficial when sprinkled upon 

 the trees, being destructive to insects, for 

 they do not like the strong scent which soap 

 suds leave after being applied. Soap suds 

 are also strong promoters of vegetation, the 

 ingredients of which the soap is composed, 

 appearing to be agreeable to the constitution 

 of most trees. 



The method I pursue in applying the water 

 is this : for the first year after young trees 

 are planted, I sprinkle them over with soft 

 water by means of a garden engine three or 

 four times a week, doing it early in the 

 morning before the sun is full upon them; 

 I continue this as long as there is any reason 

 to apprehend injury from frost, I then give 

 it in the evening, just before the sun leaves 



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