GLEANINGS ON IIOUTICULTURIv 



31 



site for a perfect tree the following season ; stop the leaders when 

 wood is wanted. In pruning, nail in the wood of young trees 

 at full length ; and when the shoots are not growing equally, de- 

 press the strong, and raise the weaker ones to a more erect posi- 

 tion ; and this will equalize their growth. Thin peaches regularly, 

 and not much at a time ; and if the tree be too luxuriant, it may 

 be checked beneficially by a heavy crop, and if unhealthy, the 

 reverse. 



Nectarines should be nailed and thinned in the same way. 

 Thin the fruit to ten inches apart, if the tree is in good condi- 

 tion. Should the red-spider appear, syringe or apply the engine 

 with some force, using soap-suds and soot-water. Liquid manure 

 may be given with benefit to both peaches and nectarines. Look 

 over the trees well, when the fruit is stoned, and make a final 

 thinning; this, done in time, with a sharp-pointed knife, will 

 prevent many from falling off. 



The month of October is the proper time for moving peach 

 and all other trees, (excepting hollies, which transplant best 

 during the month of June,) and January, February, and June for 

 pruning them ; the shoots which grow straightforward out of the 

 tree must all come away (called disbudding), as they are neither 

 sightly nor convenient to train. In August, all watering should 

 cease as soon as they take their last swelling. When ripe, pro- 

 vide for their falling into nets or mats ; take off some of the 

 leaves from the fruit, so as to give it the more sun, and nail in 

 any branches that may in the least require support, especially in 

 young trees. As soon as the fruit is gathered, commence syring- 

 ing ; and thin out superfluous shoots, any decayed leaves, &c., 

 and attend to the perfecting of the wood, by giving it all the sun, 

 air, and light possible ; it will then get red, and hard, and ripe 

 for the next season. Pruning is generally deferred until Spring; 

 but it may be done with advantage late in the Autumn, except 

 during frosts. Leave a few spurs on the apricots, but depend 

 upon the young wood chiefly ; and when nailing, use as few 

 nails and shreds as possible. There is no essential dissimilarity 

 in the cultivation which peaches and nectarines require. It must 

 be recollected that the peach produces its fruit-blossoms imme- 

 diately from the wood of the previous summer's growth ; secure 

 such fruitful shoots by carrying out the side branches in direct 

 lines about a foot distant (as already said) from each other. On 

 the upper side onhj of these should the annual wood be permitted 

 to develop ; and in the Spring months, all buds should be re- 



