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 silica and 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, as in 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 

 a healthy 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 



