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but when possible the writer would advise the one he recommends. In 

 many case?, however, the cultivator has but little or no choice, and has 

 to adapt himself to fixed local conditions. Aspect in the warmer 

 districts is of less importance, and fortunately so, as in these localities 

 the ground is frequently too level to afford much choice. 



SOILS AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



In the selection of soils, the cultivator is often limited, and he has to 

 utilise such as he has to the best advantage. Fruit trees are more 

 cosmopolitan in the matter of soils than is generally supposed, and 

 each kind will adapt itself to a comparatively wide range. Some soils 

 are, however, better suited for particular kinds of trees than others, 

 and these peculiarities should be utilised by the cultivator as far as 

 practicable, r J hen, again, the cultivator has it in his power to modify 

 the character of the soil to suit special requirements by the introduction 

 of other materials. Something may also be done to modify its natural 

 character by working, draining and the use of manures. 



Classes of Soils. There are considerable variations in soils, which are 

 broadly divided into several classes, and, as a matter of course, there is 

 every intermediate form. 



Clay Soils are those that contain over 50 percent, of pure clay. They 

 are characterised by heaviness, stiffness in working, and impenetrability 

 to the admission of air and water. A very heavy clay soil is not well 

 adapted for fruit culture, though it may be modified to some extent by 

 thorough working and perfect drainage. 



Clayey Loamy Soils are those containing a large proportion of clay, 

 but from 20 to 30 per cent, of sand. This soil, when well worked and 

 effectively drained, is well adapted for many fruits. 



Loamy Soils are intermediate between pure clay and sand, and 

 may contain from 40 to 60 per cent, of either. Soils of this 'class are, 

 as a rule, well suited for most kinds of fruits, and are worked without 

 difficulty. 



Sandy Loamy Soils are those containing 60 per cent and over of sand. 

 This class of soils is among the best the fruit-grower can find, as most 

 kinds will thrive in them, and they can be worked with facility. 



Sandy Soils are such as contain 70 per cent, and over of sand. These 

 soils, unless they contain a large amount of vegetable matter, or are 

 improved by the use of clay, marl, or manure, are not well suited for 

 fruit culture. 



Calcareous Soils. These are such as contain over 20 per cent, of 

 lime, and are well suited for most fruits, especially the Grape. 



Marly Soils. These contain lime in the proportion of from 5 to 20 

 per cent., and are excellent for fruit culture. Marly and calcareous soils 

 are often used with advantage to improve other kinds of land, owing to 

 the Hire and phosphoric acid that they contain. 



Volcanic Soils. This term is applied to those soils which have been 

 directly formed by volcanic action. These are to be found in several 



