APPLE ORCHARDS. 119 



which is so economical, and at the same time so satisfactory, as 

 the apple. We tire of a berry pic, but for a dessert which is 

 acceptable 365 days in the year, we commend the apple either 

 in its raw state, or made into sauce, dumplings and pies. 



There is no danger of the market being overstocked with this 

 fruit, as some suppose. True, in a good fruit season the price 

 may be comparatively low, but it is always remunerative, as the 

 cost of raising is small. When the price is -12 per barrel, as 

 it is this year, producers must console themselves with the re- 

 flection that multitudes of families can indulge in the purchase 

 of a few barrels that would feel compelled to deny themselves 

 were the price twice as great. Then^ again, apples are worth 

 much more than the cost of production, for feeding to stock. 

 Hogs eat them with the same avidity as do the children, and, 

 w^hat is an exception to the common rule, seem to prefer them 

 raw, and thrive better upon the raw fruit than when it is cooked. 

 One of the best modes of feeding sw^ne upon apples is to let 

 them have the run of the orchard, as they will do their own 

 harvesting, eating all the windfalls, which are generally wormy, 

 thus preventing tlie worm from burrowing in the eartli, and 

 rising again the next summer in the perfect or insect state, to 

 multiply their species. Cows are fond of apples, and if fed judi- 

 ciously they greatly increase the flow of milk. Horses also 

 love them, and we can see no reason why they should not be 

 indulged occasionally with a dish of this fruit. Horses have the 

 most artificial diet of any of our domestic animals, and are the 

 most subject to disease. We are confident a few apples would 

 not only give a pleasant variety to their food, which all animals 

 like, but also remedy some of the ills to which our horses are 

 now subject. 



If there is a surplus of apples after the wants of the family 

 and the stock are supplied, and if the market demand is con- 

 sidered not sufficiently remunerative for careful piciiing, they 

 can be made into cider and subsequently into vinegar. Pure 

 cider vinegar is always in great demand, and commands a high 

 price. Much that is sold under this name never emanated from 

 the cider mill. There is more cider vinegar sold in the United 

 States than there is cider manufactured. It is said that in order 

 to be sure of obtaining a cask of genuine port wine, it is neces- 

 sary to go to the vineyard near Oporto, watch its manufacture and 



