ACTION OF THE SAP. LOCALITY. 



The sap becomes stored up, and ripened by the 

 action of light and heat, and in proportion as this 

 action is retarded or augmented, the tree is either 

 productive or barren. A certain action commu- 

 nicated to the sap will develop the whole system 

 in redundant wood. All this is modified by at- 

 tendant circumstances, but it is the general rule. 

 To regulate, distribute, and harmonise all these 

 functions is the duty of cultivation, and surely 

 the preservation of the balance between root and 

 branch, and between fertility and extension, can 

 but have the effect of increasing the amount of 

 production, and also by economising the vitality of 

 the tree, lengthening its life. 



The locality chosen for any particular tree is *) 

 of great importance, and demands much reflection. 

 In this the amateur must submit to be guided 

 by the experience of others, while he carefully i, 

 observes for himself. Before any final decision, 

 he should make a tour of the gardens in his 

 neighbourhood. He should attentively note the 

 varieties which flourish best in the soil and aspect 

 which correspond with those in his own garden. 

 The fruits most common in the neighbouring 

 markets should also be considered, unless they 

 are of an inferior description. These observations 

 will not appear trivial to an amateur. Every 

 one has experienced the value of such things 

 who has commenced a career of horticulture. 

 In these cases a reference to the catalogue of a 



