IRISH GARDENING. 



i8i 



The Apple. 



In the growing of I'l'uits more is'i-ound is given to 

 the apple tlian to any other kind, and the apple 

 crop may be regarded from every point of view 

 as the most imjiortant of all fruit crops. 



New apple orchards are steadily being planted 

 throughout Ireland. In certain districts the whole 

 aspect of the country has been changed owing 

 to the nunaber of apple trees planted, and the 



Soil and Situation. 



Apple trees cannot adapt themselves to every 

 soil. They niay grow for a time in any soil, but 

 they will not remain healthy, or bear profitable 

 crops, unless the soil be suitable. It is useless 

 to plant in light peaty soil, or in wet peaty soil. 

 It is also useless to plant in poor shallow soil, 

 on gravel. The ideal soil is a good medium loam 

 of fair depth, but by proper cultivation, and with 

 care, good apples can be grown in stiff clayey 



RuBUSi DEIJCIOSUS 



A Rockv Mountain Bramble. 



results attained fi'om the sale of the produce of 

 these orchards have been very satisfactory. On 

 the other hand, the results attained from the sale 

 of the products of old and neglected orchards, or 

 of badly managed orchards, have been dis- 

 appointing and unprofitable. Resialts can never 

 be satisfactoiy unless fruit is well grown, and put 

 on the market in a clean and attractive condition. 

 Intending planters should tlierefore commence 

 in a practical and thoroughly sound way, and 

 work on well-considered and definite lines. fe • 



' * Leaflet Xo. 551 (Revised), 

 Technical Instruction. 



Department of Agriculture and 



loam, or in light sandy loam, proA-ided there is 

 sufficient depth. ^ 



Situation. — Fairlv sheltered ground, with^ a 

 slope towards S.E., S., W., or S.W., gives the best 

 exposure. 



It is not advisa]>le to plant in a cold situation 

 with N. or N.E. exposure, or on high ground 

 much exposed to winds. Under no circumstance 

 sliould apples be planted in low-lying, damp 

 bottoms, or on flat ground close to a river ; nor 

 should they be planted close to high trees, as 

 these intercept the sun, and their roots impoverish 

 the soil for a distance of 50 to 100 feet from the 

 stems. Shelter is very hnportant, but it must 



