CHERRIES 



IT is useless to plant cherries unless the fruit can be 

 protected from the birds. The cost of " keeping " a 

 few trees would absorb all profit. In planting for sale, 

 select two or three varieties only ; and these should 

 come in together, if possible, to lessen the cost of 

 " keep." They should be intermingled, for reasons 

 already mentioned (see pears, p. 12). 



Cherries like a deep, mellow, and rather sandy soil, 

 but they also thrive on a good loam lying on chalk. 

 Stiff moist soils and dry gravelly soils are not suitable. 

 The trees require much moisture, especially sorts with 

 large leaves, such as the Bigarreau and Heart Cherries. 

 Plant varieties to suit the soil. Inquire carefully what 

 sorts do best in your neighbourhood. Cherries do well 

 in open ground, not shaded nor in a valley. They prefer 

 a south aspect, but Morellos thrive on a north wall. 

 Kentish and Late Duke might also be tried there. Plant 

 as you would pears or plums. Protect your trees from 

 rabbits by wire, and from cattle by "cradles," 6 feet 

 high at least, 1 or iron guards. Cattle fed on cake are 

 useful in cherry orchards, and improve the produce. 



CHERRIES FOR EATING, recommended by R.H.S. 

 in 1892, are : 



a. DUKES. (l) May Duke, dark red and early; (2) 

 Archduke (large blackish red), mid-season, both tender- 

 skinned, and so beloved by birds. Both are close 

 growers. 



1 Cradles in Kent are often made of chestnut wood split, and last as 

 long as they are needed. For form see pears, p. 7. 



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