34 QUINCE CULTURE. 
made better by the addition of clay or alumina, because 
it will make it more compact and retentive of moisture. 
Lime and chalk will produce effects intermediate be- 
tween the silicaand alumina. The mechanical condition 
will be found quite as important as the chemical constitu- 
tion of the soil. When the mineral elements of fertility 
near the surface become too much reduced or exhausted 
by long cultivation, it will be helpful to work the soil 
deeper, bringing up the reserve forces; or by the addi- 
tion of a perfect fertilizer, the growth will go forward 
with success. 
In selecting soils, the first choice should be a strong 
loam, with enough sand in its composition to make 
it work easy. In a deep, strong soil the trees should 
not be expected to come into as early bearing as in 
the sandy soil, because the greater vigor of growth 
does not so soon tend to the formation of fruit buds; 
but when they do bear they make up for any lost time 
by the abundance and quality of the fruit, and greater 
longevity, and immunity from disease. A gravelly loam, 
if not too gravelly, is the second choice, because it comes 
the nearest to the first in all the more desirable qualities. 
A light, sandy soil is the next choice. It is a very de- 
sirable soil on many accounts ; and where it has a clayey 
subsoil, asin my Vineland orchard, excellent results may 
be attained. It is not every one who can have his choice 
of soils, and it must suffice to use the very best available. 
After an experience of over twelve years with a light, 
sandy loam, I am well satisfied with its advantages. It 
is easily worked, yields excellent returns, and maintains 
ahealthy growth. The clayey soil is chiefly objectionable 
on account of its being often too wet and heavy. Where 
the clay is not in excess, this soil is capable of being 
drained and otherwise improved, so as to give promise of 
good results. If only the proper cultivation be given, 
any soil that will yield good crops of corn and potatoes 
