10 Aug., 1917.] Apj/lr Cu/lure in I'irtona. ibl 



APPLE CULTURE IN VICTOIUA. 



By J. Farrcll, Orchard Supervisor. 

 (Continued from page 403.) 



Distinct Variety Charac teristics. 



As the different varieties of apples are evolved, whether as the result 

 of self or cross-fertilization, on each new variety is stamped the imprint 

 of originality and individuality. This, Nature docs by bestowing on 

 each its respective and distinct characteristics, viz., class of wood, the 

 tree's growth and fruiting habit, as well as the peculiarities relating to 

 the size, shape, colour, quality, and quantity of its fruit. 



Although the fruit of varieties produced from " sports " may vary 

 in shape, size, colour, quantity, &c., from that of the parent trees, yet 

 their wood usually retains the characteristics of the original varieties. 



To select varieties of the highest commercial value, and, as in pre-war 

 times, those best fitted for export oversea, the planter should choose 

 varieties individually endowed with suitable combinations of charac- 

 teristics of the highest order. He should also know that tlie varieties 

 so selected would thrive on his land and under the climatic conditions 

 obtaining locally. Considerable progress in this regard has been made, 

 particularly during recent years, owing to investigations made by fruit- 

 growers, by the experts, and by the Inter-State Pomological Committee. 



Fruit Nomenclatttre. 



To secure uniformity of fruit nomenclature, and particularly to 

 facilitate the l>etter management of the export trade of the various 

 States, it was found necessary, owing to the various names and synonyms 

 given to some of the old apple varieties, to rename them. 



The task of naming new varieties as they are produced and brought 

 under notice, as well as the renaming of old ones where this is considered 

 desirable, is also performed by the Pomological Committee. The name 

 selected for adoption in each case is that which, in the opinion of the 

 nomenclators, best suits the variety under the conditions mentioned 

 above. 



Identification of the Fruit. 



Typical apples of the many varieties have their distinct charac- 

 teristics, viz., in relation to size, shape, and colour, by which their 

 identification is usually established. 



Plates 112 and 113 give photographic illustrations of twelve popular 

 varieties, and these are fairly good illustrations of each the names of 

 which are given in the explanation of the plates. 



Identification by Means of the Wood and Leaves. 



The many peculiarities of their respective wood and leaves, when 

 understood, also enable the student of pomology to identify the varieties 

 by this means. 



Plate 114 shows typical yearling's wood of the twelve varieties appear- 

 ing in Plates 112 and 113. These specimens were selected to represent 

 the various types mostly on account of their relative strengths, habits 

 of growth, and bud formation. When compared with each other it 



