106 GARDENING FoR ALL. 
greater number of trees of each variety selected; by 
“grading” the fruit and sending only the ‘‘best’’ and ‘‘seconds” 
to market. Also by manuring more liberally the trees in 
bearing as they increase in age. 
The habit of raising apple-trees from pips, or seed, must 
be abandoned so far as the generality of small gardens are 
concerned; that is one great source of the many compara- 
tively worthless varieties of apples now in cultivation. 
It is much better to buy young trees from nurserymen of 
repute, because such trees are best in every sense ; healthy 
stocks only will have been used, scion and stock will be 
chosen on account of their adaptability to each other, their 
union will be most perfect because of having been grafted by 
the most experienced and practiced hands. As the trees are 
intended and expected to be fruitful for several generations, 
this is a more important matter than it appears at first sight. 
A tree grafted by our own hands is naturally very interesting, 
but it is not likely to be so satisfactory to our descendants ; and 
there is great probability that the amateur grafter is respon- 
sible for many of the wretched and decrepit fruit trees in our 
gardens and orchards. 
Stocks vary very much and greatly influence the growth, 
character, and fruitfulness of the trees established upon them. 
The Dwarf French Paradise induces an early and prolific 
fruitfulness, but it is not conducive to longevity. The broad- 
leaved Paradise is more robust and generally less precocious 
than the former, and is suitable for bushes and dwarf 
standards. The Nonsuch is suited for dwarf trees; it is 
robust, emits roots from buds on the stem below the soil and 
so is a surface-rooter, and is not prone to send out tap-roots. 
The Crab is most suitable for orchard standards. 
The soil should be, as far as possible, a deep loam con- 
taining some lime, potash, and phosphoric acid; nitrogen 
may be added as opportunity permits, Soil that will grow 
good crops of wheat and roots will usually grow good crops 
of apples. 
The ground ought to be drained if it is wet or near the 
water-level; and it should be broken up or trenched to a good 
depth some considerable time before planting. If it is incon- 
venierit to trench the soil entirely, large holes should be 
