118 ORCHARDS. 



■when the trees first show good crops, allowing it to remain 

 only on the alternate seasons which we vfish to make the 

 bearing year. 



The best and most profitable mode, however, to secure an- 

 nual crops from trees that are disposed to bear biennially, is 

 to effect this desirable purpose hj proper tillage and hy proper 

 manures combined, thus securing a high state of vigor and 

 productiveness. The manures most likely to supply the trees 

 with proper food and put the soil in high condition, are de- 

 scribed in the course of this work — lime being a prominent 

 part, if not already in the soil — but caution should be given, 

 as an over-dose would be injurious. It would be best to mix 

 it in the composition heap. (Ashes should also be used.) 



There are a few varieties of the apple that will bear annu- 

 ally with ordinary culture and management, and it is of con- 

 siderable importance to know which are these varieties. The 

 author has taken some pains to give a correct list of them, 

 which he will append at the close of this article. 



It is desirable to have as many trees bearing every year as 

 possible ; and, by selecting those which bear annually, this 

 great advantage is secured, even if some of this character do 

 not bear first rate fruit. The biennial class, which nat- 

 urally gives a good crop once in two years, with no cultiva- 

 tion, or Avith ordinary cultivation, is only of half the value — 

 the qualities of both being equal. 



It will doubtless be to the advantage of all apple growers in 

 setting new orchards, or adding to old. ones to have in view 

 the benefit of a proper selection as it regards annual and 

 biennial varieties, and those which come into early bearing ; 

 which, we think, has been overlooked by our most practical 

 horticulturists. We propose appending, according to the 

 best information we can get, and from our own experience, 

 a list of such varieties, which will enable those who plant 

 trees to secure advantages in this way. 



But to return to the subject of the "bearing year.'" The 

 cause generally assigned and believed, in regard to alternate 

 bearing, is, " The exhaustion of most of the organizable matter 



