The aim should be
to have this young bearing wood distributed evenly over the tree,
as should be true of a grape-vine. When the trees are kept low, as
dwarf standards, the fruit is more within reach, and less liable
to be blown off by high winds. Gradually, however, if the trees
prove healthful, they will get high enough up in the world.
Notwithstanding the rigorous pruning recommended, the trees will
often overload themselves; and thinning out the young peaches when
as large as hickory nuts is almost imperative if we would secure
good fruit. Men of experience say that when a tree has set too
much fruit, if two-thirds of it are taken off while little, the
remaining third will measure and weigh more than would the entire
crop, and bring three times as much money. In flavor and beauty
the gain will certainly be more than double.
Throughout its entire growth and fruiting life the peach-tree
needs good cultivation, and also a good but not overstimulated
soil. Well-decayed compost from the cow-stable is probably the
best barnyard fertilizer. Wood-ashes are peculiarly agreeable to
the constitution of this tree, and tend to maintain it in health
and bearing long after others not so treated are dead. I should
advise that half a peck be worked in lightly every spring around
each tree as far as the branches extend.
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