THE APRICOT. 



190 



THE APEICOT. 



Climate and Soil. The apricot ripens in all climates 

 of France ; but as it blossoms early, its fructification is 

 often destroyed by the late frosts of spring. Thus its 

 cultivation as a standard is not profitable further north 

 than Paris. In a colder climate than this it must be 

 trained exclusively as an espalier [wall tree]. This is 

 an unfortunate necessity ; for, contrary in this respect 

 to its allied species, the flavour of espalier apricots is 

 much inferior to that of standards. The soil best suited 

 for the apricot is the same as for the plum. 



Grafting. The apricot is always multiplied by 

 shield grafting (budding) upon plum stocks. 



Varieties. The apricot has about twenty varieties, 

 of which the following are the best : 



