THE COMMON APPLE-TREE, 203 
trees, which have been produced from its seed and by 
grafting. Of these varieties it is impossible to give an 
account within our limit, as they are numerous and con- 
stantly being multiplied. 
Owing to the perishable nature of the wood of the 
common apple-tree, its length of life is limited; but ina 
few cases trees have been known to complete their sec- 
ond century. “One of these was growing near Plym- 
outh, in Massachusetts. Another in Hartford, Connec- 
ticut, was brought from England in 1645, and grew on 
the Charter-Oak Place, and consequently must be more 
than two hundred years old.” 
The apple-tree under cultivation, in order to perfect 
its productiveness, requires a soil abounding in marls, 
marly clays, or calcareous limestone; and will also, es- 
~ pecially those of the early sort, produce fruit to per- 
fection in light, rich, sandy soils. Late varieties succeed 
best when planted in a soil that is strong and clayey. 
A position sheltered from the extremes of heat and 
cold and the influence of high winds, with an undulating 
surface, is best adapted for apple-orchards, and it has 
been found that moderately steep declivities have been 
successful in the production of fruit. Deep-sunk valleys 
or very elevated or exposed situations are unfavorable 
to the production of the apple. A southerly direction is 
a most advantageous one, in view that the trees receive 
the greatest benefit from the sun, and yet are not fully 
exposed to its extreme influence; and if the plantation 
or orchard be in the neighborhood of an extensive body 
of water, a position facing northward has proved to be 
decidedly favorable. 
The apple-tree is propagated from seed, grafting, and 
inoculation, and by cuttings and layers; and it has been 
found that the hardiest and best stocks are those raised 
from the seed of the wild crab. 
In propagating from seed, the pomace should be 
strewed and covered with earth in shallow trenches 
