46 PtGToUUL PRAOTiGAL FlitJlf GROWING. 



If the grafter wants to avoid the trouble of wax-maldng, he should writS 

 to a seedsman for a tin of L'homme Lefort's Mastic. 



Varieties for Rs-grafting. 



In choosing varietiss for re-grafting unsatisfactory trees, select strong 

 growers, such as : — 



Annie Elisabeth. Ecklinville. Stone's 



Blenheim Pippin. Emperor Alexander. Tower of Glammis. 



Eramley's Seedling. Lord Derby. Worcester Pearmain. 



Cbapter VK- Soils ana manures. 



The question of soils and manures for fruit trees presents itself under two 

 aspects — establishing new trees, and improving old ones. 



I have already expressed an opinion on tlie common practice of placing 

 large quantities of rich dung underneath the roots of young fruit trees when 

 they are planted. It is not, in my opinion, the best plan. I cordially agree 

 that it is superior to starving the trees ; I know full well that it was 

 practised in the case of several plantations that are now thriving and 

 healthy ; but I also know that in many instances it has led to a great 

 amount of gross wood being made, and to the fruiting being thrown back 

 in consequence. 



Theoretically, we ought to diiierentiate between the varieties of fruit 

 when we consider this question. Compare, for example, an Emperor 

 Alexander Apple with a Stirling Castle, or a Tower of Glammis with a 

 Manks's Codlin. The Emperor Alexander loves to romp away into great, 

 strong branches ; the Stirling Castle delights in forming spurs. To be 

 scientifically exact in manuring, we ought not to give the former half so 

 much manure as the latter, because in the one case we want to check 

 growth, and in the other to encourage it. Unfortunately, it is not always 

 easy to ensure tlie right thing being done. The average planter likes to put 

 in the particular varieties which he fancies, just because he fancies them ; 

 and he wants to treat them all alike, because it is most convenient to him. 

 I may be wrong, but I believe that, however eloquently experts may argue 

 on the merits of individualising, the great majority of growers will go on 

 lumping the sorts together, and feedingand pruning them by rote. 



If the ground on which fruit trees are planted is well drained, and the 

 soil is bastard trenched, a much more favourable state of affairs exists than 

 is secured by the mere shovelling in of manure. It is a common practice 

 to make a, deep, narrow hole, with "up and down" sides, half fill it wiih 

 manure, and put the tree on the top. This is not the best practice. True, 

 tiie manure forces plenty of growth, but the wood is not always of a fruitful 

 character, and the tree settles down too deep, owing to the rotting away 

 of the manure beneath it. Water sometimes collects, too. A'ery little 

 manure is needed beneath a tree. In my own somewhat extensive practice 

 I have made it a rule to put only a light coat underneath, and to mix it 

 well with the soil, then to apply a good dressing above in the form of a 

 mulch. 



It may be asked if artificial fertilisers have been used in the place of 

 dung. Most certainly, and with equally good results. It is the mechanical 

 Btate of the soil which is the real arbiter of failure or success, not tlie 



