127 



mite seeds of which float to other apples in their vici- 

 nity, and thus hasten, if they do not instigate, their 

 decay. 



Mr. G. Fielder, gardener at Wadhurst Castle, is 

 very decided upon this point. He says, one very 

 essential thing in keeping apples is, that due attention 

 be paid to picking out those which are rotten. Much 

 fruit is saved by doing so ; and it is necessary that 

 apples should have a general searching in order to be 

 effectually cleared. It is useless where persons when- 

 ever they visit their fruit-room have been contented 

 with picking out only such decayed ones as first pre- 

 sented themselves to sight ; as many still remain to 

 contaminate those adjoining. (Gard. Chron. 1842, 

 638.) 



Storing in Sand. — Apples placed in boxes or other 

 enclosures in alternate layers with sand often will un- 

 doubtedly keep a length of time, but at others we 

 have known them decay to a very serious extent ; and 

 apples so kept are always deficient in flavour. The 

 only mode of obviating the latter defect is to keep 

 them for a fortnight before using on an open shelf. 



Mr. J. Stewart, of Pinkie, gives the following direc- 

 tions for this mode of keeping. Some glazed earthen 

 jars must be provided, with tops or covers ; and also 

 a quantity of pure pit- sand, free of any mixture ; this 

 is to be thoroughly dried on a flue. Then put a layer 



