APPLES GROWING IN POTS. 3S 



are not calculated to raise the temperature over 80, but when the weather is hot and the 

 sun powerful, close about 5 P.M. Damp the house well at closing time, syringing the trees 

 on fine days, always sufficiently early to allow of the foliage and fruit becoming fairly 

 dry before nightfall. Sprinkle available surfaces early in the day, avoiding morning 

 syringing, unless necessary for freeing the trees of red spider ; then operate early and 

 admit air before the sun acts powerfully. Foliage long kept dripping wet turns brown, 

 and water resting on the fruit any length of time causes the skins to be rough and often 

 to crack. Air should be admitted early in the morning, not later than 7 A.M., and occa- 

 sionally an hour sooner. It is a safe plan to admit some air all night by the top venti- 

 lators. This allows the pent-up moisture to escape and the atmosphere to gradually 

 cool, thus inducing rest in the trees, but sharp currents of air are highly prejudicial ; 

 therefore, when strong wind prevails, admit air on the opposite side of the house. These 

 matters, though apparently small, are important. Husbanding sun heat by early closing 

 secures the finest possible fruits, whilst judicious ventilation insures the elaboration of 

 their juices, and these conditions, combined with full exposure to light, impart high 

 colour and superior quality. From June to September, inclusive, the house should have 

 the ventilators opened between 6 and 7 A.M., and closed between 3 and 5 P.M., admitting 

 air at night by opening the top lights a few inches about 6 P.M. After September, air 

 must be freely admitted at night, husbanding the sun heat by day, if necessary, to 

 mature late fruit and ripen the growths. Though water must be kept off fruit advanced 

 towards maturity, the soil must be healthfully moist, or the apples become mealy. 

 Apple trees are impatient of drought ; therefore afford thorough soakings of water, 

 always before they are distressed by lack of it. Dribblets are ineffective. Feed as re- 

 quired with liquid manure, affording dressings of superphosphate or other artificials 

 occasionally, but be careful in using these, for apple trees abhor strong salts. Soot forms 

 a good all-round food for apple trees, and nothing benefits them more than an occasional 

 dusting of quicklime. 



Culture in Pots. Apple trees answer well in 9 and 10-inch pots. They may be 

 raised from cuttings and layers, or established on Paradise stocks. On their own roots 

 the trees become compact, and, with care in cropping, are serviceable. Trees, however, 

 on Paradise stocks afford the best results ; they may be grown in bush, pyramid, or low 

 standard form. Young trees ought to be potted in autumn, and become thoroughly 

 established in the pots before allowing them to bear fruit. The trees will produce fruit 

 over a number of years, without change of pots, but the soil must be removed from the 



F 2 



