The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

PLANT HUSBANDRY

IF A TREE DOESN'T BEAR FRUIT, FOLLOW THIS PROCEDURE: GO OUT IN YOUR GARDEN ONE NIGHT (PREFERABLY WHEN THE FULL MOON IS OUT) AND CARRY A SHARP KNIFE. TAKE THE KNIFE AND STRIKE THE TREE THREE TIMES. AFTER EACH CHOP, REPEAT THE WORDS, "TREE BEAR FRUIT" WITH A STERN VOICE. THE NEXT YEAR ON THAT SAME DAY, THE TREE WILL BEGIN TO BEAR FRUIT.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): THREAT?

Date learned: 09-20-1969