NATURAL FERTILIZATION. 109 



come into fruit while the original seedling had only attained the 

 height of four feet. 



The originator of new fruits should, however, fix clearly and 

 distinctly in his mind the precise object which he wishes to gain. 

 He should then select such varieties as possess in the highest 

 degree the properties which he wishes to obtain. The most 

 perfect seeds of these varieties should then be sown and so cul- 

 tivated as to insure their most perfect development. In our 

 experiments we may meet with disappointments, but let nothing 

 discourage us in this delightful employment. By careful watch- 

 ing and experience, we may achieve triumphs of which we have 

 now no anticipation. 



Nor would I discourage the planting of seeds of choice kinds 

 of fruit relying upon natural fertilization. By this process 

 most of our best varieties have been produced, from which 

 we are constantly receiving valuable acquisitions to our fruits. 

 Think of the blessing conferred on posterity by the introduction 

 of the Baldwin, Rhode Island Greening, Roxbury Russet, apples, 

 Hovey's Seedling strawberry and the Concord grape, and what 

 greater blessings can we confer on posterity than the production 

 of a fine fruit which shall contribute to the health, wealth and 

 gratification of millions long after we shall have passed from 

 the scenes of life. Let me encourage every cultivator of fruits 

 to sow annually the seed of all choice kinds in the hopes of 

 transmitting to posterity some memorial of his interest in this 

 most hopeful pursuit : — 



" Try all methods, hope great results ; 

 Who knows what meed thy labors may await, 

 What glorious fruits thy conquests may create." 



Mr. Morton. What time of the year is the best for thinning 

 fruit ? 



Mr. Wilder. Just as soon as you can see which the best 

 specimens are. The earlier you commence after you have ascer- 

 tained which the best specimens are, the better. 



Question. What is the best time to prune the apple ? 



Mr. Wilder. Just after the frosts of winter have passed. 

 Never begin to prune until after the frosts of winter have passed, 

 and commence as early as you can before the sap begins to flow ; 

 or you can prune in midsummer, after the wood is formed. 



