482 GAKDENING FOE TIIE SOUTH. 



Florida and South Louisiana. 

 Summer. — Tied Astrachan, Jennings. 



Gathering the Fruit. — Apples intended for keeping, or 

 sending to market, should be carefully picked from the 

 tree, and handled with care, to prevent bruising. Those 

 that fall of themselves must be kept separate, as the least 

 bruise will cause decay. They must be frequently looked 

 over, and every one the least decayed must be removed, 

 or it will infect the others. They should be kept at a 

 uniform temperature, in a dry, cool situation. Choice 

 specimens may be wrapped in absorbent paper, and laid 

 singly on shelves. They should not be exposed to much 

 frost, and still less to extremes of heat. Specimens may 

 thus be kept in good condition until March. A fruit room 

 should be kept as cool us possible, and if the temperature 

 could be uniformly at 32°, no decay would take place. 



In selecting varieties for cultivation, preference should, 

 as far as practicable, be given to those of southern origin. 

 Of northern varieties, those classed as summer apples 

 succeed very well here. Some of the early autumn varie- 

 ties also do well, and, of course, are summer apples with 

 us. But the winter apples, as a class, are entirely un- 

 suited to the Southern States. The last few years have 

 developed, with us, a very large number of as choice and 

 beautiful varieties of winter apples as can be found any- 

 where, so thai we can have an abundant supply during 

 the entire year. 



Marketing. — It does not pay to ship inferior fruit of 

 any character, and this is especially true with apples, 

 where there is such great competition. Store the apples 

 for a short while in order to give them an opportunity 

 to shrink and sweat. By this method the inferior grades 

 will become more evident. Use barrels of the best make; 



