216 ON PLANTING ORCHARDS 



the fruit from the same tree, as some must 

 unavoidably be better ripened than others ; and 

 therefore, in this case, if the ripest were selected 

 and separately made into cider, the quality 

 would prove superior to that made of those that 

 were less ripe, or if made together. After cider 

 is made, indeed, it may, by mixing, be made 

 more suitable for peculiar, or general purposes, 

 and thus be said to be better for mixing ; but 

 mixing the apples must be a pernicious and un- 

 profitable practice. 



The science of fermentation is most important 

 to all who make cider, or wine, or beer; and 

 those who wish for information on this subject, 

 may find it in a valuable little book, by Mac- 

 cullock on wines. 



The health, duration, and prolificacy of apple- 

 trees, as well as all otlier fhiit-trees, are more 

 dependent upon the subsoil than the surface- 

 soil ; in planting trees, therefore, this requires 

 more attention than is generally given to it. 

 Healthy and prolific apple-trees will seldom be 

 found where the subsoil is of a cold, tenacious, 

 wet, and stagnating quality ; and whatever may 

 be the nature of the surface-soil during very dry 

 summers, the roots in search of water will delve 

 deep into the subsoil, and having penetrated, 

 however low, there they must remain ; they 



