APPLE. 157 



the kernel or seed, when the object is to obtain new varieties, 

 in the same manner as the Peach. It can be perpetuated by 

 budding, and is most permanent when grown upon the Plum 

 stock ; but in a dr,y, sandy soil, they will do best on their own 

 stock. As a general rule, soil that grows the Peach will suit 

 the Almond. See article PEACH. 



GATHERING OF THE FRUIT. The fruit should be allowed to 

 remain on the tree until the rind opens and becomes quite 

 brown, and the kernels firm and solid, when it may be gath- 

 ered and gradually dried till the shell becomes hard, after 

 which it may be stored away for use. 



APPLE. 



Pyrus Mains. Pomme, Fr. Apfel, Ger. 



OF all the fruits cultivated in this country, the Apple is 

 undoubtedly the most valuable. It is the fruit of the Peasant 

 and the President, of the rich and the poor ; and is suited to 

 346,500 square miles of the United States. At what period 

 it became known is involved in obscurity. It is a native of 

 several countries and peculiarly so of this ; and the delightful 

 odor of the Wild Crab of Virginia, when in bloom, is grate- 

 fully remembered by every traveler who passes that region in 

 March and April. The tree is naturally long-lived ; history 

 asserts that it has been known to live " over a thousand years," 

 though we would rather ascribe to it one-fourth of that period. 

 There is no climate in the world where the Apple is brought 

 to such perfection as in this. It can be had in perfection 

 throughout the year, forming always an agreeable and luxuri 

 ous addition to the food of man. The fruit, when ripe, is lax- 

 ative ; and when boiled or roasted it has been fcund service- 

 able in cases of weakness and indigestion, as also in putrid and 

 malignant fevers; 



