[271 ] 



LXXI. Notice on the Effect (/Watering Fruit Trees early 

 in the Spring. By James Sowerby, Esq.F.L.S.tyc. 



Read January 7, 1817. 



In the spring of the year 1815 the drying March winds as 

 they are called, were considered very injurious to the early 

 blossoming Apple, Pear, and other fruit trees. I was re- 

 peatedly told, both by my neighbours and those from Nor- 

 folk and Suffolk, that just as the fruit was beginning to set, 

 these drying winds caused it to fal] off, like the leaves in 

 autumn, so that the expected produce was early lost ; and 

 that this happened continually to their great loss and in- 

 convenience. 



Now, as I was so fortunate as to preserve the little fruit 

 at Mead Place, I presume others may do the same ; and 

 indeed, from the reward, which appears to me more than 

 proportionate to the labour, I feel confident that the hint I 

 am about to give, however trifling it may appear, may be 

 useful. 



As these winds have generally succeeded the blossoming 

 of my trees, which by the way, are planted in a very bad 

 soil, the whole used to be blown off about the time for the 

 setting of the young fruit ; I thought it probable that a large 

 supply of water at the roots, would strengthen and save the 

 fruit ; this was given, the effect was seen in twenty-four 

 hours, the young fruit then resisted the attack of these winds, 

 and a large crop was produced. 



vol. ii. O o 



