FRUIT-BOOM FOK KEEPING. 37 



while practical experience is teaching it yearly, in the evidence of 

 rot, &c., exhibited in varieties grown on trees long unsupplied with 

 aught but the natural ingredients of the soil. As under the head of 

 each variety of fruit we give the analysis belonging thereto, we shall 

 not extend remarks here on a subject too well understood and accepted 

 to require argument in its support. The influence of climate on 

 varieties has the effect to create more or less rapid growth of both 

 tree and fruit, as we go north or south, causing in the tree a coarser, 

 more spongy, soft wood, and more subject to injury from sudden 

 changes of atmosphere, when grown south ; and in the fruit, greater 

 size, more open and coarser texture of flesh, and corresponding 

 depreciation in flavor, with earlier maturity in the apple and pear; 

 but the peach, apricot, and nectarine, have additional character and 

 sweetness, as the juices are more elaborated. 



The influence of Stocks on varieties seems one not easily explained ; 

 for while all know that to propagate a strong growing variety upon 

 a slow growing stock has a tendency at once to reduce its growth of 

 wood and create a fruitful habit, and the reverse, when a slow grower 

 is placed on one of vigorous habit, yet the reason why fruit is bet- 

 ter or worse in quality when grown on varied stocks and subject to 

 like soil, has not been explained. Seedling stocks, as most used by 

 nursery-men, are not all alike vigorous or hardy ; hence the apparent 

 difference in trees propagated on them and removed to various loca- 

 tions. Under each variety of fruits, we give such information aa 

 we have been enabled to gain of the adaptation of certain stocks to 

 the variety, and refer thereto for further remarks. 



CHAPTER V. 



GATHERING FRUIT TIME WHEN FRUIT-ROOM FOR KEEPING AND 



RIPENING. 



THE gathering of hardy fruits, such as apples, pears, quinces, 

 grapes, etc., should be performed in the middle of a dry day, not in 

 the morning before the dew is evaporated, nor in evening when it is 

 depositing ; neither should they be gathered immediately after a 

 lain. All fruits should be left until the full size is acquired; but 

 ander our clear sun, most varieties of pears are improved if they 



