292 On the Causes of Decay in Fruit Trees. 



fruit, which having a renovated existence, would be free 

 from these defects. This theory seemed so reasonable, that 

 many were induced tcwadopt it, and so assured was I of its 

 truth, that I began to raise trees in this manner, fully ex- 

 pecting, that though the fruit might not, possibly be so good, 

 I should at least possess a tree free frome disease. 



In the course of a few years, however, I was greatly dis- 

 appointed, in finding that many of these young trees, some 

 only twelve months old, began to exhibit the same dis- 

 eases, and to be affected in a greater degree than many of 

 our oldest varieties. It is therefore evident that old age 

 is not the only cause of decay, but that probably, in 

 young trees, it arises from some external cause, not con- 

 nected with the plant itself; and I am induced to think 

 that the great diminution of the ordinary warmth of our 

 summer months, for some years past, is the principal cause 

 of the premature decay which I have described. 



They who are at all versed in gardening, especially in 

 forcing, must be aware that there is something in the consti- 

 tution of some plants, and even varieties of the same kind, 

 which enables them to bear cold better than others, and that 

 whenever the temperature is too low for the constitution ot 

 the plant, it becomes sickly and unhealthy in its appear- 

 ance. Thus it is impossible to raise Melons and other 

 exotics without the aid of artificial heat. We find also that 

 some kinds of Peaches are much more tender than others. 

 Why should the Apple Tree be an exception to this rule ? 

 May not the temperature of our summer months have lately 

 become lower than the constitution of the tree will bear ? 

 We know that in Russia and America, where, though the 



