APPLES. 3 , s 



is finer as a whole than that produced by practically unaided trees in orchards. This 

 is demonstrated at the tables of the affluent and at horticultural shows. It may be 

 observed that dwarf apple-trees that do not exceed man's stature are always under the 

 eye, ever interesting and a never-failing source of enjoyment to those *^ho delight in 

 their cultivation. 



VARIETIES FOR CULTIVATION. 



In the following selection of varieties for cultivation, we have striven to limit the 

 small sorts to as few as is consistent with the requirements of the connoisseur, giving 

 most prominence to the medium sized, which combine the greatest amount of quality 

 with usefulness. To large apples we have devoted a legitimate and, in some respects, 

 a generous share of attention. There are too many soft mid-season varieties, too few 

 of the Bramley's Seedling and Lane's Prince Albert type, which are not only large, 

 but possess free cropping, long keeping, and high cooking qualities, and are 

 admissible for dessert. In seeking further improvements we must aim at the three 

 essentials of good appearance, good quality, and long continuance in usefulness. 

 Endeavour has been made to reduce the bewildering number of apples now in cultiva- 

 tion, by describing only 150 well-proved, reliable, or promising varieties, and persons 

 who desire more can choose from the Fruit Manual and catalogues of the leading fruit 

 nurserymen. 



We have made ample, it may be considered too ample, provision for the 

 majority of planters. We would gladly have still further reduced the number, but 

 there are so many useful purposes to which apples can be put, and so many different 

 tastes to be catered for, that a copious selection was essential for giving general satis- 

 faction, and greatly condensed lists will be found for special purposes and positions. 

 Some local sorts will be referred to, and varieties not named that afford great satisfaction 

 in certain districts are advised to be grown in those districts. 



The varieties are arranged in three sections, viz., small, medium, and large fruited for 

 Dessert, Dessert and Culinary, and Culinary use; further dividing each section into 

 early, mid-season, and late under their respective headings, and varieties are enumerated 

 for quality, beauty, and free bearing. 



Selections are also made of the varieties most suitable to the climate in the different 

 parts of these islands, also to the varied geological strata or soils that obtain in, perhaps, 

 the most diversified country under the sun. These will assist cultivators in the endeavour 



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