.858 THE FLORIST AND 



to the state of a finely divided mould, or humus, suit the seedling nurse- 

 ries perfectly well, because these moulds, being plentifully spread and well 

 incorporated with the soil, to the depth at which the seeds should be sown 

 and put forth their roots, facilitate, and even induce, quick germination 

 and a more satisfactory development. But a training nursery should not be 

 •thus treated. Manure, especially hot stable dung, should be only very 

 sparingly applied, because nothing has a greater tendency to produce cank- 

 er on young Apple trees than too rich, too highly manured, or too moist 

 ground. 



Although there may be no advantage in raising the Apple trees ourselves 

 which we intend to put into the nursery, and although we may often do bet- 

 ter by purchasing the quantity of plants that is required, still we think it 

 necessary to say a few words on the manner of sowing the seeds, because 

 some persons have plants from vigorous trees, which are in various respects 

 remarkable, and from which they hope to obtain good varieties, with the 

 view of advantageously replacing those that become more and more diseased 

 ,and unproductive. 



Preparation and Sowing of the Pips. — The pomace of Apples is taken 

 and rubbed between the hands in a tub of wafer, so as to separate the pulp 

 from the pips. After allowing the water to remain a short time to settle, 

 the contents of the tub or other vessel are poured off, so as to get clear of 

 the pomace and bad seed. The pips that are at the bottom of the vessel 

 are the only ones that should be made use of. They should be well dried, 

 and kept in a dry place till they are sown. The sowing should be made im- 

 mediately the hard frosts are over, because the seed of the Apple, like that 

 of the Pear, does not long retain its germinating power. 



The ground having been well prepared, divided, and sufficiently manured 

 with decayed manure, drills are made about one inch in depth, and from 

 seven to nine inches apart. ( The plough and harrow are not employed in 

 these sowings, except when they are made on a very extensive scale, as in 

 some communes of Rumois.) The seeds are then put in the drills, and are 

 covered by a rake. If the ground is dry, it is made firmer with the roller 

 or the back of a spade. 



We may also sow broadcast, but weeding is performed with greater diffi- 

 culty ; and the stirring of the soil, which is so beneficial and easy in the 

 rows, is nearly impossible in broadcast sowings. 



In whichever way the sowing has been made, the ground, if of small ex- 

 tent, should be covered with decayed manure, or with fine litter, so as to 

 keep the soil moist, and prevent the surface from drying and cracking. We 

 may sometimes succeed by merely spreading the pomace upon the ground, to 



