34 FRUIT TREES IN POTS [ch. 



with the late varieties. \¥here apricots are grown 

 these should be potted next. Continue with 

 cherries, then plums, then pears, and, last of all, 

 apples. 



Soil. — One of the most essential points for 

 successful pot culture is the selection of good 

 soil. This should consist of a good fibrous loam, 

 fairly heavy, but not clayey — such as the top spit 

 (2, 3, or 4 ins. thick) from any good meadow 

 would answer admirably. Some good decayed 

 stable manure should be added to this, and, if 

 procurable, a little old rough mortar or chalk may 

 be added. Should chalk be used, it must not be 

 crushed too small, but used in small lumps about 

 the size of an acorn or small walnut. 



The soil should be made up in the following 

 proportions : loam, two-thirds ; manure, one- 

 third ; mortar or chalk, a small quantity ; or, in 

 other words : loam, two cart-loads ; manure, one 

 cart-load, of equal quantity per load ; mortar or 

 chalk, half a wheelbarrow load to each cart-load. 

 The use of mortar or chalk is beneficial to all 

 stone fruits, as it will assist the fruit very much 

 during the stoning process. Mortar or chalk is. 

 however, not absolutely necessary if good loam 

 be used, though I should always use a little if 

 I had it. 



The use of peat or of very light sandy soil, 



