14 FRUIT CULTURE. 



often do well upon banks where the ground is somewhat 

 rocky, also in shady situations and northern slopes. 



CURRANTS. A wide range of soils from light to heavy 

 loam, subsoil clay or gravel ; and black currants may be 

 planted on heavy land, which is somewhat low and wet. 



GOOSEBERRIES. Rich sandy loam, subsoil gravel. 



RASPBERRIES. A light sandy loam, subsoil gravel ; or 

 heavier loam if the subsoil be open. 



STRAWBERRIES. A wide range of soils. A good rich 

 loam is the best, either upon gravel, or clay if not too 

 cold ; and they also do well upon chalk if there is a 

 moderate layer of surface mould. 



SOILS AND THEIR COMPOSITION. 



Soils perform at least three functions in reference to 

 the growth and culture of fruit trees. In the first place, 

 they serve as a basis in which the trees may fix their 

 roots, and sustain themselves in an erect position. 

 Secondly, they supply food to the trees at each period of 

 their growth. And thirdly, they are the medium in 

 which many chemical changes take place that arc 

 essential to the suitable preparation of the various 

 elements of plant food, which the soil is destined to yield 

 to the growing tree, for the production of stem, foliage, 

 flowers and fruit. In fact, a fertile soil may well be 

 described as a laboratory, as well as a mine. 



From numerous investigations and ascertained facts in 

 relation to soils, certain important deductions in regard to 

 fruit growing may safely be drawn. 



It may be too much to say that a fruit tree will not 

 grow in a soil that is destitute of nitrogen, but at the 

 same time it may certainly be affirmed that no profitable 



