GATHERING STONE FRUIT. 117 



state for gathering. It certainly requires 

 observation and practice in order to be fully 

 acquainted with it. 



Never pinch a fruit in order to know whe- 

 ther it is ripe or not, particularly the Peach, 

 Nectarine, or Apricot, because they are sooner 

 damaged by it than any other kinds. But 

 to ascertain whether they be ripe or not, let 

 the hand be placed underneath, and the fruit 

 be gently raised a little ; if it be at that ad- 

 vanced state proper to be gathered, it will 

 come off immediately, but if not ripe enough, 

 it will adhere : by attending to this, the proper 

 criterion will soon be learned. 



A funnel lined with velvet is used by some 

 persons for gathering fruit, but the practice 

 recommended is a great deal better. 



