FRUIT CULTURE IN FRANCE 



355 



soil and a sheltered situation suit the walnut best. The walnut, with rare 

 exceptions, begins to bear fruit at eight or ten years of age. It is grown as a 

 standard in orchards, and is increased by sowing seed or by root grafting. 

 Walnuts for the market come chiefly from Dordogne, Isere, Correze, Puy de 

 D6me, Haute Sa6ne, Anjou, Cher, Savoy, &c. The nuts are eaten fresh or dry. 

 Oil and liqueurs are also made from them. The best are the Common Walnut^ 

 Soft-shelled Walnut, De la St. Jean Walnut, Bijou, 



THE PEACH 



The peach, in order to live long and to bear regular crops of good fruit, 

 requires heat. In the south and west, and in certain favoured districts in the 

 centre of France, it is cultivated in the open air, but in the neighbourhood of 

 Paris, with very rare exceptions, and especially in the east and north, it must 



■b 



Shoot of Peach, Show- 

 ing Wood Buds and 

 Blossom Buds 



Peach Shoot wit 

 Blossom Buds 



Short Characteristic 

 Growth, Bearing 

 Blossom Buds 



be grown upon an east or south wall, and, moreover, must be protected from 

 frost when in flower by canvas or by other means. Wet and unaerated soils 

 are harmful to the peach ; in such it is very liable to " gum." 



Propagation. — The peach is increased by budding upon the seedling peach 

 in the south of France, and upon either the almond or St. Julien plum in the 

 centre, west, and north, according to the soil. The Almond stock gives more 

 vigour and suits the deeper and warmer soils ; the plum, on the contrary, suits 

 damp and shallow soils. 



