APPLE ORCHARDS IN ENGLAND. 



It would be tedious to enumerate the names of one in twenty of the flowers, wliicli 

 succeeding 5'ears have introduced, but those I have above referred to, may be deemed to 

 mark epochs in the history of the improvements of this splendid and now gorgeous 

 fumiI3^ I shall, in conclusion, do little more than record the names of the persons to 

 whose industry and love for it we are principally indebted for the advanced state of. beauty 

 in wliich Ave possess it at present, b}' the ardor for carrying on, which I am glad to an- 

 nounce is in no way declining; for I am continual!}" receiving from my old geranium 

 friends in England, news of the "good things coming." 



The next lemarkable era, was the appearance of Bkck, of Isleworth, then a new name 

 to the admirers of tlie flower, but one which soon made itself lespected. For Mr. Beck 

 had a most fortunate run of success, and for some three or four years he originated varieties, 

 which in a great measure, threw into the shade even Mr. Foster and Mr. Garth's produc- 

 tions; and he has from his first start, maintained up to the present time his standard of ex- 

 cellence. Mr. Foster, however, like a "good man and true," did not allow the more than 

 ordinary success of his worthy competitor to damp his courage, and by steady perse- 

 verance he has regained his position, as one of tlie foremost champions of the present da}", 

 as he is the veteran who has uniformily borne the brunt and heat of the battle. During 

 tlie last three or four years, he has brought forward some splendid sorts. One more 

 name demands honoiable mention too meritoriously, to be passed by. I mean Mr 

 IIoYLK. lie has produced many excellent varieties; and the man who has given to the 

 floricultural world such a flower as " //o)//(;'s Crusddcr,'' can well afford to rest upou 

 his laurels and let others gather a wreath for themselves. 



There are numerous others and very deserving growers, who well merit the laige share 

 of success that has attended their efforts; but having refeired to the leading friends of the 

 geranium, I must draw my remaiks to a close. B. 



APPLE OPtC HARDS IN ENGLAND. 



BY FRHD. LAW OLM.STED.*' 



There are but few orchards in England, except in certain districts, and in these they 

 abound, and are often very extensive. The inquir}' naturally arises. What has given those 

 districts their distinction in this respect ? Have they any natural advantages which makes 

 oichaiding more profilable in them than in other parts of the country? In repl}", I learn 

 that the orchard districts are all distinguished for a comparative]}' mild climate. Tliey aie 

 nearly all in the south and south-wcstein counties, while in the northern and eastern 

 counties I do not know of any. Hereford is a a somewhat hilly county, and, as I have 

 remarked, wheie the hills are too sleep for easy cultivation, it is usual to plant orchards; but 

 the south side of sucli hills is preferred to the north, and, even here, a crop is sometimes en- 

 tirely lost by a late and seveie spring frost. A south-east slope is prefeired , the south-cast 

 winds being the driest. I suspect another reason why it is found better, is that the south- 

 west winds, coming off the ocean, are the stronger. My own observation has led me to 

 think that the apple-tree is much affected by an exposure to severe Avinds. Most sorts 

 of trees do not thrive very Avell upon the sea-shore, and this is usually laid to the account 

 f salt spray or "salt in the air." It will be found, however, that trees grown inland 



* From .second series of ■■ AViilks and Talks of an Ainericiiii Fanner in England." 



