48 OKCHAKD FRUITS IN VIRGINIA AND OTHER STATES. 



attacks the fruit very seriously in some cases. The latter, however, yields readily to 

 spraying, and hence is regarded with less concern than formerly. 



The wide distribution of this variety has made possible a more extensive study of 

 its range of adaptability in these regions than of many other sorts. The results of 

 these observations are summarized as follows: 



Successful culture of this variety is commonly supposed to be confined to the black 

 soil (Porters black loam), or " pippin soil" as it is often called, of the mountain sections 

 of the States included in this discussion. While this may be true in a general way, 

 it is evident that there are several types of soil on which it is reasonably successful. 

 All the types, however, possess at least two characteristics in common, namely, a high 

 degree of fertility and a comparatively loose, friable texture. The subsoil must also 

 be comparatively open and porous and the location such that perfect atmospheric and 

 soil drainage are insured. All things considered, as above indicated, Porters black 

 loam doubtless is one of the most satisfactory types of soil for this variety, since it 

 usually possesses the qualifications mentioned above in the highest degree. This 

 apple is found principally in the mountains at various altitudes and in coves where 

 Porters black loam abounds, often at elevations not exceeding the general level of 

 the Piedmont. Even these lower points, where the drainage is good, are favorable 

 places for this variety, though the higher altitudes are to be preferred. Most excellent 

 fruit is grown also on Porters sandy loam, and so far as the data at hand indicate the 

 orchards on this type are equally as productive as those on Porters black loam, 

 although it should be stated that Porters sandy loam varies greatly in fertility, and 

 this fact should be considered in selecting sites for orchard purposes. 



One type of red clay soil on which this variety succeeds well appears at first sight to 

 be a stiff, compact clay, but in reality it is friable and fairly porous, so that in this 

 particular, as in the other points, it conforms to the requirements mentioned. 

 This type is found in some parts of Nelson County, Va., and is considered especially 

 desirable for this variety. It is probably a modification of Cecil clay, but possesses a 

 friability and looseness of texture which this type does not have. The most desirable 

 locations in the last-named county are on the slopes of the mountains and hills with 

 elevations of 1,000 to 1,500 feet or more. This type of soil is also found more or less in 

 other sections. The red loam of northeastern Georgia is somewhat similar, but it con- 

 tains less clay, possesses a more friable texture, and the subsoil is more porous. In 

 the latter section only young trees of Yellow Newtown have been observed. These 

 have borne a medium-sized crop of fairly high-grade fruit, but premature dropping 

 was indicated. The trees, however, were in a neglected condition. 



In Rappahannock County, Va., one type of soil on which the Yellow Newtown is 

 commonly grown is also quite like the Nelson County type. The behavior of the 

 variety in this section does not differ materially from that farther south, but it is con- 

 sidered less profitable than some other kinds, especially York Imperial, and it is seldom 

 found in other than the older orchards. 



In the Piedmont types of soil throughout the regions of which Cecil clay and Cecil 

 sandy loam are the most common, this variety is nearly a complete failure. The rela- 

 tively poor atmospheric drainage of the region and the close texture of the soil probably 

 account for the lack of success on Cecil clay, while Cecil sandy loam is lacking also in 

 fertility. Under these strictly Piedmont conditions the fruit is usually small, unat- 

 tractive in appearance, frequently drops prematurely, is subject to disease, especially 

 to the fungi causing "cloudy" fruit, is of relatively inferior dessert quality, and is 

 lacking in nearly every other desirable characteristic. In many instances the trees 

 on the heavier, more compact soils are less vigorous and the foliage lighter colored 

 than on soils better adapted to them. In the mountain orchards in North Carolina 

 having the highest elevations this apple is less satisfactory than at intermediate points. 

 135 



