430 



THE PRACTICAL GARDENER. 



at the same time, and should be looked to frequently, and as 

 many of the insects killed as possible. Notwithstanding this 

 care of gathering them daily, many will fall, but in order to 

 save them as much as possible, it will be advisable to have 

 either mats or nets suspended for them to fall into ; it will save 

 many from being dashed to pieces, or so bruised as to be unfit 

 for use. At that season, when peaches, nectarines, apricots, 

 and plums most abound, the supply should be given in for 

 preserving and such like uses, in order that when the later sorts 

 come in, the demand may not be so great for them for the des- 

 sert, as to be attended with inconvenience to the gardener to 

 spare them. This ought to be considered of all fruits while 

 they are in plenty, in order to avoid disappointment and un- 

 pleasant altercations. 



Jargonelle, bergamots, and other pears ; jennetting, sum- 

 mer pearmain, and other apples, which ripen in July and Au- 

 gust, should be eaten from the tree, or w^ithin a few days after 

 they are pulled ; they should not be allowed to drop, and they 

 lose much of their flavor by keeping. When gathered, they 

 should be laid upon the shelves of the fruit-room, laying paper 

 under them ; but on no account lay them upon moss, hay, or 

 brown paper, either of which will give them a bad flavor; 

 neither should they be laid in heaps, nor too closely together, 

 but should be laid out quite separate and distinct, so that they 

 will not even touch each other. Free air should be admitted 

 at all times into the fruit-room at this season, and in damp 

 weather, a gentle fire should be kept up, in order to dry any 

 damp that may have arisen in the room. Cherries and plums 

 should for the most part be gathered from the trees, as should 

 be all small fruits, and as soon before they are used as pos- 

 sible, as they lose their flavor by keeping. 



PACKING FRUIT FOR CARRIAGE. 



Fruit sent to any distance should not be packed in baskets, 

 as it is liable to be injured by being bruised. Boxes of tin or 

 deal should be used for this purpose, and of sizes according to 

 the quantity to be sent. These boxes, if of wood, should be 

 made of inch deal, and secured at the corners with iron 



