THE HOME FRUIT GARDEN 



more or less skilled, and learned at least in the names 

 of fruits and flowers if not in the ways of growing them, 

 it seems superfluous to enter into elaborate directions 

 for the simple work of digging, planting, etc. If only 

 one-tenth of the books and articles that have been written 

 round this prosaic subject were read, surely there would 

 be none of us left ignorant. Let us begin with the King 

 of fruits. 



The Apple. The best time to plant is just before the 

 leaves fall, in late October or early November ; but 

 Apples are planted throughout the winter and until late 

 March in mild weather. I shall not labour the points 

 of a hole big enough to accommodate the roots when 

 spread out, firm planting with the uppermost roots not 

 more than 3 inches or 4 inches below the ground surface ; 

 but I must urge that no manure be used at planting 

 time, or the young trees will make rampant growth that 

 will tax the cultivator's skill to bring them into fruit- 

 bearing condition. Further, if bush or pyramid trees 

 on the broad-leaved Paradise or dwarfing stock are 

 grown, it is not wise merely to dig a hole for their ac- 

 commodation ; the whole plot of ground should be dug 2 

 feet deep. In planting orchard trees on the Crab stock 

 the chief points to emphasise, in addition to proper plant- 

 ing (which may be deeper than for that of dwarf trees), 

 are to stake the trees securely and not to replace the turf 

 round about the stem. The surface area of the hole made 

 for the tree should be kept quite clear of grass and weeds, 

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