FRUITS. 8T 



very valuable in their season, the apple is in use almost the 

 entire year. 



CULTIVATION OF THE APPLE. 



The cultivation of the apple has increased so mucn during the 

 last ten years that many have anticipated a superabundance of 

 this fruit. 



If all, or even a good proportion of the apple-trees which are 

 transplanted received proper cultivation and care, this might 

 occur. But the work of setting the trees is so often done in a 

 careless and improper manner, and the young trees in so many 

 instances perish from neglect, or from the browsing of cattle or 

 other causes, and the market on the other hand is so rapidly 

 extending, that we apprehend there is little to fear in that 

 direction. 



Very great progress has been made in the cultivation of 

 nurseries during the present generation. The writer remem- 

 bers that when about thirty years since his father wished to 

 purchase some twenty-five apple-trees for transplanting, he was 

 unable except by much inquiry to find them, and when found 

 it was but a small, uncared for patch of ungrafted trees in an 

 adjoining town. Now, excellent nurseries of all kinds of fruit 

 and ornamental trees are abundantly at hand, some of them so 

 extensive as to cover hundreds of acres. 



In regard to the manner of cultivation from the time of 

 transplanting onward, very much might be said, but as very 

 excellent directions are given in the fruit books now before 

 the public, we will only make some general observations upon 

 that subject. 



1st. How far apart should apple-trees be set ? 



We think thirty feet plenty near enough and two rods about 

 right, and if set in regular rows it adds greatly to the beauty of 

 the orchard and to the convenience of cultivation, &c. 



2d. We think that some kind of litter kept under a tree to 

 cover the roots, and prevent the earth from drying up the first 

 summer after transplanting, very important — much better and 

 easier than watering. 



3d. Apple-trees need examining at least once a year to cut 

 out unnecessary branches, thereby preventing the top from 

 becoming an unsightly jungle of brvish. Let a saw be used 



