The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1893-05-10
So per AnnuDl, in advance.

and is very foe. The rest of the list arc too
well known to need description. All of the
above originated at Waldo.
PRUNING.
The peach tree requires pruning as thor
Ough and Systematically as the grape vine
and neglect of it invariably results in inferior
fruit. Experience is the only reliable guide
in pruning. About the only reliable rule that
call be laid down on this point is to cut back
one.halt to two thirds of the previous years
growth; never let the tree get so high that
the entire crop can not be picked from the
ground. l prefer to prune about the time the
tree starts in the spring. Those who have
practiced pruning in mid summer have soon
found that they had no trees 10 prune, as they
cannot stand this defoliation at the time their
leaves are most needed.
FERTILIzING.
There has been so much said and written
about the deficiency Of potash in our pine
lands, and of the great necessity of applying
it to all kinds of frnit trees, the pe3ch in par
ticular, that it seems like treason TO differ;
yet / must say that after testing it as a fer
tilzer, in a way in which there could be no
mistake, have not only found it of no value,
but positive injury, not only to the peach,
lect that which has least potash
Outside of Darnyard and hen-house ma
nures find that cotton seed meal, ground
bone, blood and bone give better results for
the money than money expended in anything
else | am not alone in this but believe l
have expressed the almost unanimous CON
cusiOn of the Waldo peach growers.
STOCKS.
Peaches budded above ground on plum
stocks are worthless, but when budded at the
collar or grated in the root, and transplanted
so the union Will be below the surface the
peach will push out roots of Its own, becOm-
ing what 1 call "dOublo rooted" making
better tree every way than those on peach
roots alone. find these doubIe-rooted trees
are more vigorous and prolific, and produce
finer fruits than those with peach roots only.
They can also be set much deeper. as the plum
root is not as easily injured by water, and suf-
fers less from drOuth. What have said about
planting trees on top of the ground applies
only to trees on peach roots.
CULTIVATION.
Cultivation should be frequent and shallow
no weeds or grass should be allowed to grow
when the ground is dry enough 10 work.
When the rainy season sets in, the soil gets
too wet and cultivation is out { f the question,
the weeds and grass have 1ull sway. AS soon
as the rains are over the peach orchards
should be cultivated and kept clean. A good
cultTator is about the only implement re-
quired. The turn plow is seldom needed and
should only be used as Il last resort. Where
the cultivation is properly done hoeil lg VIII
not be necessary.
THINNING.
Peaches usually set two or three times
much fruit rs they can bring 10 perfection.
The beginner is almost sure 10 neglect thin
ming, which is very important.
PICKING AND PACKING.
The proper stage in which TO pick peach
for market can only be nscertained Ivy eX-
perence; much depends variety and dis
tance from market. good plan is TO take
one of The boxes ready for shipment and set
ii away, waiting gntil the time has elapsed
for those shipped to reach destination, then
open your box and examine. If not ready
for eating pick a little ripper; if over ripe pick