APPLE TREE. 



119 



The aspect best suited to Apples planted 

 against a wall is either east or west, they 

 will do well against either, for the bloom 

 does not open so early in the spring as the 

 Plum or Cherry, and is therefore more safe 

 on an east aspect than they are; for by the 

 time that the Apples bloom, the strong frosts 

 are generally over. (Directions for planting 

 the trees are given in Chapter V.) 



The distance at which to plant the trees 

 apart, must be regulated according to the 

 growth of the sort. A strong growing kind 

 must be twenty-five feet, and one of a less 

 vigorous habit must be twenty feet. This is 

 proper for a wall twelve feet high; against a 

 wall of a less height, they must be set fur- 

 ther apart in due proportion. (See the Chapter 

 on training fruit trees.) Always plant a maiden 

 tree, and one that has only one upright stem. 



In the following instructions, I shall state 

 each year's method of pruning, for such a 

 number of years after the planting of the 

 tree, as appears to me to be fully necessary. 

 The commencement of each year I date from 

 the beginning of winter pruning. 



First Year. — Winter Pr lining.— -The tree 

 must be headed down just before it begins 

 to push. The time will be varied according 

 to the lateness or forwardness of the spring; 

 but it will easily be discovered when the sap 

 is beginning to rise, by the swelling of the 

 buds. When the tree is cut down, let one 



