THE APPLE 5i 



In the cultivation of fruit trees on meadow land it is important 

 to keep the ground clear of grass round about the stems ; for a 

 distance of 3 or 4 feet from the stem the soil should be kept hoed 

 and free from weeds. Grass has a retarding influence on growth ; 

 if it is allowed to grow on the soil near the trees, these develop 

 very slowly and take a long time to make large heads. 



i 



A Maiden Tree 18 

 months after budding, 

 cross line showing 

 where to prune 



Tree in following year, 



showing two summers' 



growth 



The best time to plant is in November, but this work may be 

 done between then and the end of March, provided that the 

 weather is mild and the ground free from excessive wet, frost 

 and snow. It is far preferable, however, to get the work done 

 early in autumn, for the trees then become weU settled in the soil 

 before the season of growth starts. 



Pruning requires a certain amount of care, but in the case of 

 young trees it is a safe rule to prune hard, so as to form a good 

 foundation. Take care to cut to an outside bud, especially in 

 dealing with varieties of upright growth. Opinions differ as to 



