Fruits and Culture. SHI 



SOME REQUISITES OF SUCCESSFUL APPLE CULTURE. 



(George T. Powell, New York.) 



One of the most promising industries for the future is that of 

 apple culture, when we consider the subject of specialties in produc- 

 tion. While there has been an enormous increase in the planting of 

 apple orchards, yet the demand for this most excellent and standard 

 frviit has kept full}' apace with the supply. 



IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS. 



First of all is the selection of good and suitable soil. The heavier 

 loams are most desirable, and if some clay enters into their composi- 

 tion it is quite valuable for the keeping quality of the fruit. Avoid 

 the sandy loams for they are better for peaches and cherries. Choose 

 well elevated positions for orchard sites rather than low bottom land. 

 These afiford better natural drainage, while the circulation of air is 

 also better and there is less danger from frost when trees are in or just 

 out of bloom. The cold air on frostv nights will roll down from the 

 hills into the valleys, the same as water will seek the lower levels. 

 There is also an advantage in the highest elevations from the fact 

 that the winter temperature does not fall so low. 



The soil should be under cultivation to corn or potatoes one 

 year previous to setting the trees. This gives the best possible condi- 

 tion of the soil before planting. Give ample space, 35 or 40 feet dis- 

 tance between rows, according to the variety. Double plant with 

 early bearing kinds for fillers in the spaces which will bear for several 

 years, adding largely to the profits of the business, and when these 

 begin to crowd upon the permanent trees they should be cut out. 

 This advice is given cautiously, and the plan is recommended only to 

 those who have backbone enough to cut out these fillers when it is 

 necessary to do so. 



Good trees having been selected, the management, after planting, 

 becomes highly important. In a large majority of instances, clean 

 cultivation of the soil will prove better. To the want of cultivation 

 more than any other cause may be traced the great amount of inferior 

 fruit that is found in our markets. In most uncultivated orchards 

 seldom above 20 per cent of strictly fine No. i apples can be barreled ; 

 60 per cent will run No. 2, while 20 per cent will be unmarketable. 

 Where cultivation is given, it should be done by plowing very lightly 



