312 On the Management of the Plants belonging to 



in swelling the fruit, and it is done in the following manner. 

 The earth above the roots is moved with a small hand 

 fork, taking care not to disturb any part of the roots ; all 

 the loose earth is then removed clear to the roots, and re- 

 placed with the compost. This operation I have performed 

 for the last six years, on the trees in the borders, and to it 

 I principally attribute my success in producing such fine and 

 abundant crops. 



With respect to pruning the trees, I do not know that 

 regular directions can be given for the work, but I will state 

 in what manner the trees at Shipley are treated. Early in 

 February they are looked over ; at that time it is apparent 

 what wood is likely to be fruitful, and as a certain quantity 

 of old branches are yearly cut away I take out those which 

 seem least promising, and so make room for the younger 

 and more productive wood. If the trees afterwards grow 

 very strong, the shoots are shortened according to their 

 strength, in the same way as Peach trees are shortened. 

 Thus the branches pruned are not only fruitful, but they 

 are restrained to any shape desired, for no sort of fruit 

 trees bear the knife more patiently than those I am treat- 

 ing of. 



There is some nicety required in thinning and arranging 

 the crop. When the fruits are about the size of Green 

 Gages it is proper to thin them. Two fruits should never 

 be left together, for they would neither be line nor well for- 

 med ; the quantity left to ripen must also depend on the 

 age and strength of the tree. The thinnings have no pulp 

 when of the size above mentioned, and are much esteemed 

 by the confectioner, making excellent preserves. 



