149 



One must not expect to find all these desira- 

 ble qualities combined in every tree that he 

 raises or purchases ; and of course they are 

 not all essential ; but the purchaser should 

 always unite as many of these good proper- 

 ties as he can. 



Soil. The apple will thrive in any deep, 

 rich soil, except the very dry or very wet. 

 ' A strong loam of a calcareous nature," says 

 Downing, " is its favorite soil, in all coun- 

 tries." Kenrick recommends "a deep pan 

 soil rather moist than dry ;" Thomas^ " Such 

 soil as will give good crops of Indian Corn." 

 Hill-sides are Very much preferable to plains. 

 Rocky hills, too steep or rough for other cul- 

 tivation, may be converted into profitable 

 orcharding. 



If the soil is damp and low, the trees should 

 be set somewhat higher than they stood in the 

 nursery. The trees may even be placed di- 

 rectly upon the surface of such grounds, and 

 sufficient soil carted around them to cover 

 their roots properly. But it is much better to 

 dig holes, two or three feet deep, and put into 

 them a drainage of cobble stones, brick-bats 

 or other rubbish. 



On the contrary, if an orchard is to be set 



