FRUIT TREES. Chap. V. 113 



that grow vigorously and nourish their fruit well. But when the trees have been restrained, 

 it's good to sustain them with some fertilizer. When their produce shows signs of 

 deterioration or failure, they have to be manured to revive them and to give them more 

 ample nourishment without fear that the quality of the fruit will be impaired as a result. 

 Because 1°. the fruit of every weak, sick, or declining tree is of poor or mediocre quality. 

 As a consequence, everything that can contribute to the restoration of the tree also 

 contributes to restoring the quality of its fruit. 2°. With most fruit, & several in particular 

 like peaches, plums, and cherries, the larger they are relative to the size of their species or 

 variety, the better they are, provided that it isn't a result of excessive moisture in the 

 ground. If a small apricot grown in the open is preferable to a large one on an espalier, 

 it's not because it's small, but rather because the difference in quality between growing in 

 the open & on espalier is more noticeable in this fruit than in any other. 3°. Lastly, the 

 practice of most expert growers, validated by their success, leaves no room for doubt that 

 if good soil is lacking, manure is beneficial for the trees. 



These are the general principles for raising, managing, & cultivating fruit trees. 

 But they all don't have the same constitution, & there are some that require different 

 rules. The descriptions that we'll give for the species and varieties of each kind of tree 

 will be followed by appropriate specifics for its cultivation. If a certain variety requires 

 special treatment, it will be noted following its description. 



