288 AMERICAN HOME GARDEX. 



APPLES. 



The varieties of apples are so numerous and diversified that 

 while it would seem as if all tastes, soils, and localities might 

 be suited, there is, on this very account, some difficulty in 

 making a selection. 



In addition, therefore, to the information given in the sub- 

 joined lists of kinds, and the suggestions in reference to the 

 selection of fruit, page 192, little aid can be afforded in mak- 

 ing choice of varieties. 



In general, and particularly to the northward, except for lo- 

 calities within easy reach of a market, it will be found wise to 

 plant the late fall and winter varieties more largely than the 

 earlier kinds, and acid or subacid fruits rather than sweet 

 ones. 



In respect to soil, some varieties will not bear a sandy, and 

 others will not do well upon a clay soil, but almost every va- 

 riety will succeed upon a moderately deep loam, if the climate 

 of the locality is such as to suit them ; and even upon soils 

 comparatively cold and wet, good fruit may be raised if atten- 

 tion is given to carrying off the superabundant water by means 

 of open drains made with the plow. Efficient under- draining 

 will be found still better, and all land having clay or hardpan 

 underneath, upon which the orchard is to be planted, if not 

 under-drained, should first be thoroughly subsoiled or trench- 

 plowed. 



In orchard culture, in good soils, apple trees should not stand 

 less than forty feet apart every way. When dwarfed for gar- 

 den culture or for combination they may be set from ten to 

 twelve feet apart, and should be regularly summer pruned by 

 nipping the ends of the young shoots through the season, and 

 in the winter pruning should be cut back only just enough to 

 preserve the vigor and symmetry of the tree. See Pruning, 

 page 253-4. 



Apples have become of late, more than ever, one of the neces- 

 saries of life, and every person should, if possible, so arrange 

 the varieties selected as to secure to his family the enjoyment 

 of them throughout the year. This may be accomplished by 



