28 MARCH 1952, Page 19

Care of Fruit-trees It is hard to predict spring rainfall,

but trees under walls seldom get sufficient moisture, even in wet seasons. To be on the safe side, a good watering w:th clear water, followed by liquid manure, will be of great benefit. Follow this with a mulch of half-rotted manure. I have noticed that a good deal of injury to trees is done by chafing when a stake is used. The buffer pad is often to blame. Examine the pad, and if it is decayed replace it with a new one, making sure it is firmly fixed between stake and tree. All mature trees will do well with a dressing of superphosphate. Apply four ounces to the square yard and