348 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL 



ity can be had at a reasonable price, they will be used freely, and 

 there will be a constantly increasing demand, but, if only an inferior 

 article is to be obtained, California and foreign fruits and the excel- 

 lent canned and evaporated fruits now put up, will take the place of 

 apples to a great extent. 



The same is true of the products of the apple — cider and cider 

 vinegar. With cider carefully made and propei'ly handled, it should 

 be the di'ink of this country, far more healthful than poor beer or 

 the so-called '' temperance," " soft drinks " now so abundant. It can 

 be prepared to suit the tastes of all, and were it to be found on all 

 our dinner-tables, might improve the digestion and palliate some of 

 the aches of the users. Pure cider, taken in moderation, is a healthy 

 beverage, and will grow in popularity if pains is only taken to sup- 

 ply the market with a choice article, but if the sour, muddy mixture 

 often called cider is all that can be obtained, would you blame a man 

 for getting disgusted with the very idea of drinking cider? 



The manufacture of cider vinegar is a more important matter to 

 us now, that such a proportion of our apple crop is inferior in size 

 and shape, these, with the earlier varieties, can be utilized in no 

 other way to so good an advantage as in the making of vinegar. I 

 do not wish to be understood as advising the use of rotten, dirty ap- 

 ples, even for vinegar, the better the material the better the product. 

 Cider vinegar has the reputation in many places of being worthless 

 just because care is not taken to put it in the right condition to use. 

 It should never be sent to market until it is strong and clear, and 

 these conditions cannot be attained by using one-half rain water or 

 by sending it away in the barrel it was made in without racking. 

 No vinegar excels that made from pure cider when it is properly 

 made and has sufficient age, and it is to be regretted that laws are 

 permitted by our national legislators that discriminate against its 

 manufacture and sale. 



Let me offer a few suggestions as to orchard management. Pre- 

 pare your ground beforehand, and whether high or low — authorities 

 differ as to which is preferable — see that stagnant water cannot 

 stand on it. Plow deeply and thoroughly; dig good sized holes; 

 procure your trees, if possible, from a reliable local nurseryman, fol- 

 lowing his advice or that of some successful fruit-grower in the 

 vicinity as to varieties; insist on thrifty, sound, well-rooted trees; 

 have the roots well protected while on the road home, and plant out 

 as soon as possible. Plant early, so that the trees may get a good 

 start before hot, dry weather. Give good cultivation, but not too 

 late in the fall, or the wood may not get well ripened. When winter 

 comes, clear away weeds and trash from around the trees, and if any 

 danger from mice or rabbits is anticipated, wrap the bodies of the 

 trees or smear them with some compound. Trimming should be at- 

 tended to at such times as will prevent the necessity of cutting off 

 large limbs. Borers should be looked after twice a year. When an 



