The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1877-1885, 1879-08-21
abe Farnt.
Orchard and Nursery.

1dIBN hDpICS, pOolC, StNs VIA ANNE-
for market, and we wish that every one
who sends fruit TO distant markets could
visit the place TO which his produce goes.
He would there learn by observation many
things which he can not otherwise find out.
It would not take the watchfnl producer
long to SEQ the importance of caretully sort
ing his fruit-he would learn that 1t is to
his profit to have in most cases at least three
grades, namely, Extra" NO. l." and a
third sort. unfit to send to market and only
to be used for feeding out at home In
seasons of scarcity a third grade may be
marketed near home, but usually it does
not pay.
Orer- R;oe Fruit-The visitor at the
markets will learn the importance Of pick
ing his fruit before it begins to soften. This
is especially to be guarded against with
early sorts, both the character Of the fruit
and the weather prevent dead ripe" fruit
from keeping any length of time.
P0cLnqes.-While barrels are the most
convenient packages for late apples, choice
Early Apples sell better in half barrels,
crates and baskets. The preferences Of the
market should be consulted in this respect.
Much depends upon the size and shape Of
the pnckage. as regards the care fruit will
meet in handling during transportation.
Use care in picking the fruit, and putting
it into the package, to avoid bruising; the
rittle extra time expended here will pay a
large interest. Whatever the package
barrel, half-barrel. or crate, it should be so
filled that considerable pressure is required
to bring the cover into place. This is nee
essary to hold the fruit firmly, thus avoid
ing the bruising which would otherwise
follow from shaking.
Eary Pears require still greater care. as
they ripen and decay so rapidly. They
should be picked before they are at all mel
low. Early Pears, like the late sorts, are
better if ripened in the house.
Pach Honestly.-The success of a fruit
grower depends upon solid reputation for
honesty. Let every package be as repre-
sentod. and like every other of its grade.
This will insure the confidence of the com
mission merchants, the esteem of the con-
sumers, a ready sale of the fruit, and an in
ward satisfaction.
Careful Pfcheay.-Let no one pick fruit
who has no thought for the life of the tree,
and the seasons that are to follow. We
have seen orchards that looked, after the
picking, ash a hail storm had visited it,
the limbs were so torn and broken.
Msects-Feed all the wind-fa falls contain
ing the C0dIina Moth s.worms" to the hogs,
or let these have an occasional run in the
orchard. The bands to catch the worms
snouid DE looked 10 every week. and the
worms killed. Rorels should be probed
and killed with q wire. Some Bark Lice
and other plant lice can be killed by a wash
OF strong soft soap.
Bu?diDg should be done as soon as the
bark OF the stock will raise easily, and the
buds are woody and we'll matured. A keen,
Nat KNIFE and the hast or inner bark uf the
Eastwood are all that are necessary for the
work. In the application of the ties see
that the bud fits closely to the stock. An
expert will put in 3. 600 buds in a day.
How to Bud We cannot repeat instruc-
tons for such operations every year. In
che Notes for August, 1877. we gave direc-
tions for budding, illustrated by engrav-
1ngs, which, if carefully followed, would
enable any Intelligent person to perform
the operation. This number may be had
for 10 cents.
Seedlings of forest trees, especially Ever
greens, require shading. If no other shade
has been prepared, stick small leafy branch
es among them.
loung Irees.-A mulch will be of great
value to newly set trees in this. the most
trying month.
Fences around the nursery and orchard
should be kept in good order; stray cattle
may cause much destruction when they once
get among the young trees, or even older
ones when loaded with fruit.-.4mrytraa
-Agrcuitrist.