282 An Orchard in Miniature. 



obtrude my simple mode of growing them in open quarters, 

 upon dwarf trees, which I have followed about seven years, 

 the last three of which have successively strengthened my 

 conviction of its utility. 



By planting the proper sorts, apples may be grown in as 

 small a space of ground as gooseberries ; and a small or large 

 square, according to the size of families, appropriated to 

 apples, will grow every year enough to supply their wants. I 

 am not vain enough to think that I am alone in growing them 

 in this way, as I should think horticultural economy would 

 prompt many besides myself to gratify their eyes, their pockets, 

 and their appetites, in so easy a way. 



Like most practicalists, I should, perhaps, find it much 

 easier to tell and show than to write what I mean ; but " I will 

 do my best," as the author of Ivdnhoe makes Hubert say ; for 

 my grandfather, though he did not draw a bow, drew a knife. 



I have my ground, a strong clay, trenched 2 ft. deep in 

 December: as soon as it is settled, say a fortnight after 

 trenching, taking advantage of a frosty morning, the holes 

 are opened and left for the frost to mellow. February is 

 the best month for planting on heavy ground : by that time 

 the earth taken from the holes will be in a fine pulverised 

 state. The holes need not be very large ; 2 ft. over, and l£ ft. 

 deep : will be enough. With some rich loose soils there 

 will be no occasion for trenching ; but then the holes 

 must be larger, say 3 ft. over and 2 ft. deep. The plants 

 must be 6 ft. apart every way. I arrange mine in quincunx. 

 (Jig. 104.) With a 6-feet mea- 1Q4 



suring- stick this is done with 

 scarcely any trouble. I really 

 do not know any sight more 

 pleasing to a domestic mind (for 

 what fruit contributes more to 

 our comfort than the apple ?) 

 than this orchard in miniature, 

 when covered with bloom, and 

 again when laden with fruit, as 

 they seldom miss bearing in 

 abundance. 



This plan will not extend to 

 the strong-growing sorts, as they are not easily kept within 

 bounds ; but the following six will amply repay the trouble 

 and trifling expense of planting. I have placed them in the 

 order of their ripening. Manks's Codlin, Hawthornden, 

 Kerry Pippin, Downton Pippin, Christie's Pippin, and the 



