1869.] CULTIVATION OF HARDY FRUITS. 301 



possible during tlie operation. After planting, give tliem a good water- 

 ing to settle the soil about their roots, and afterwards give them a 

 mulching of 4 or 5 inches of good stable- dung to prevent evaporation. 

 If through any mischance the balls have got broken and the trees appear 

 to flag greatly, a good syringing overhead morning and evening will 

 assist them greatly to get re-established. 



In selecting a place for the cultivation of the Apple there are two 

 things to be encountered — viz., exposure to the west and south-west, 

 from where we get our severest storms at the period when the trees are 

 laden with fruit, and consequently in danger of being tossed about and 

 broken off. The other danger is exposure to the north, north-east, and 

 east, from where our frosts invariably come at the season of blossom- 

 ing. Now, to avoid these, the place selected — if a choice can be made 

 — should have a gentle slope towards the south or south-east, and be 

 protected with plantations from the south-west round the north to the 

 east. If such a position as this can be selected with a soil suitable for 

 the Apple to grow, no one need be afraid for the after-results. This 

 of course applies entirely to orchard plantations, as in the case of 

 gardens surrounded by high walls such precautions are not so necessary, 

 nor are they at all times available. The distances at which the trees 

 are to be planted will be regulated according to the stock which has 

 been used. If the free stock or common Crab has been used, we may 

 expect the trees to grow to a good size. 24 to 30 feet v/ill be a very 

 good distance for orchard plantations ; but where the trees are to be 

 kept dwarf, either by the knife or otherwise, 15 to 20 feet will be 

 better. If the stock used was the Paradise, then the distance may be 

 reduced from 10 to 15 feet apart. It is not advisable, however, to 

 overcrowd, as the more light and air we can admit to each individual 

 tree, the better will the wood be ripened, and the better chance we wiU 

 have of a crop the year succeeding. 



Having assigned the west aspect to the Pear, there is no other posi- 

 tion than the east to be given to those placed upon the wall. No doubt 

 several of the better varieties deserve a better position than this, but, 

 as I formerly said, circumstances often prevent us from doing as we 

 would exactly like. In planting against the wall, the distances recom- 

 mended for placing the Apple must be regulated by the same laws as 

 laid down when handling the same subject regarding the Pear. 



James M'Millan. 

 {To he continued.) 



