1905.] 



Apple Culture. 



583 



The poplars should be cut in close and topped every year 

 thus forming a very stiff wind screen. In very exposed places 

 a double row of Scotch or Austrian firs will be found effectual, 

 but will require more room than the former. If standards only 

 are to be planted, wire netting may be placed around each of 

 the trees to protect them from rabbits, but if a mixed plantation 

 is to be formed it will be preferable to enclose the whole area 

 with it. 



Selecting tJie Trees. 

 The trees should be selected during the latter end of summer. 

 The ordinary standard, with a 5 ft. to 6 ft. stem, is the most 

 suitable if the land is eventually to be used for grazing purposes ; 

 but low or bush trees can be planted more thickly and give 

 quicker returns. If possible, the intending purchaser should 

 visit the nursery and inspect the trees previous to purchasing, 

 thus avoiding, to some extent, the risk of getting unsatisfactory 

 trees. No hard and fast line can be laid down as to the exact 

 sorts to plant in various localities, but great care must be 

 exercised to get the trees on suitable stocks. The crab is the 

 most suitable, generally, for standard trees, and the Doucin 

 or broad-leaved Paradise for bush trees ; but the very free- 

 bearing kinds, such as Lane's Prince Albert, do well as 

 bush trees on the crab. The stock should have been raised 

 by layering for the standards and from layers or cuttings for 

 the bush trees. 



Types of Trees. 



There are two forms of trees, viz., the standard and the bush, 

 that are generally used for orchard planting, either separately 

 or together. The bush trees give quicker returns and produce 

 finer fruit than the standards, while the latter last longer and, 

 in favourable seasons, produce large crops of medium-sized fruit. 

 To form an orchard that will serve the double purpose, viz., 

 give quick returns and last for a long period, it will be advisable 

 to plant standards with bushes between.. Standards may be 

 planted 27 ft. or 36 ft. apart, with bush trees between, 9 ft. or 12 ft 

 apart. The distance between the trees must be regulated by 

 the space required according to their habit of growth. The 

 bushes will commence to bear the second season after planting, 

 and may be expected to produce good crops until the standards 



