. The fruit garden. Fruit-culture; Fruit trees. I04 THE FRUIT GARDEN. growths will provide an excellent crop. On some of the stronger shoots two may be allowed. There will then be about one fruit to each square foot of branch surface ; with this number well grown and perfected every reasonable cultivator will be well satisfied. Good colour is a great desideratum in the peach, and to obtain this the fruit should be well exposed to the sunlight; not too soon, however, as I believe the young fruit develops better under the partial shade of foliage. As soon as the stoning period of the fruits is o
. The fruit garden. Fruit-culture; Fruit trees. I04 THE FRUIT GARDEN. growths will provide an excellent crop. On some of the stronger shoots two may be allowed. There will then be about one fruit to each square foot of branch surface ; with this number well grown and perfected every reasonable cultivator will be well satisfied. Good colour is a great desideratum in the peach, and to obtain this the fruit should be well exposed to the sunlight; not too soon, however, as I believe the young fruit develops better under the partial shade of foliage. As soon as the stoning period of the fruits is over and the latter are growing fast, they should be fully exposed to the light. The best way to accomplish this is to place stiff twigs of wood across the trellis from wire to wire beneath the branch, and so bring the fruit above the trellis, afterwards pushing aside any leaves which may overhang the fruit. When thinning the fruits, those below the branches should be removed and those on the upper side left; the latter can be more easily exposed to the light. The stoning period of the peach commences when the fruit is about the size of a walnut, and will Lateral from an Extension Branch continue for about a fortnight or three weeks, during which time the temperature must be slightly lowered and more air admitted. To ascertain when stoning is completed cut a fruit, and if the stone is so hard that a knife will make no impression, then it is safe to conclude that stoning is over, and the usual conditions may again be provided. Treatment of Ripe Fruits.—To the experienced cultivator, gathering, harvesting, and disposing of the fruit will cause no anxiety, but to the inexperienced a word of caution and advice is necessary. For a week or so before the fruit is quite ripe, if the weather is very hot, place a net (single thickness) upon the roof to prevent the fruit being burned and disfigured by the sun. A net should also be suspended under the tree to receive any ripe fruits which
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