THE APPLE-TREE REGIONS 101 



that maturity is reached on the .tree, the subsequent 

 duration is relatively short. 



It is not to be inferred, however, that apples are to 

 be grown only in regions and soils naturally well adapted. 

 Such adaptations should be controlling in commercial 

 plantations ; but if man has dominion he should be able 

 to accomplish much in untoward or even in hostile con- 

 ditions. Even the city lot may be able to yield a harvest, 

 if the occupant of it is minded in fruits rather than in 

 other things. Every observant traveler has noted cases 

 in which good results in the rearing of plants and animals 

 have been attained in places that no one would choose 

 for the purpose: the man has overcome his obstacles. 

 I was impressed with this fact in visiting a greenhouse 

 in the Shetland Islands. Cultivation has been carried 

 far beyond the optimum regions. The merit of the man's 

 performance is measured in the excellence of his result 

 .rather than in the quantity of it. The application of 

 skill is the highest test of ability in plant-growing, and 

 this is often expressed in the most difficult places. 



Whatever may be the adaptability of any general 

 territory to the growing of apples in a large way, the 

 probability is that a man of resources and skill will be 

 able to raise good apples for himself, unless, of course, 

 the region is prohibitive. The amateur may be a law unto 

 himself in many of these matters, delighting in the in- 

 genuity that enables him to overcome. 



