320 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOdlEfY; 
Another important matter is the stock upon which the trees 
are worked. For standards, the Crab and stocks raised from 
Apple pips are the best, while nothing will equal the English or 
Broad-leaved Paradise for ^ dwarf trees. On this latter stock 
Apples will commence to give returns the second year after 
planting, and if given proper attention will continue prolific for 
at least twenty years. We know of trees that on good soil and 
with careful management have scarcely missed cropping for over 
thirty years, proving that this stock is sufficiently long-lived to 
make the trees more than pay all expenditure. 
The distance we have grown dwarf trees has been 9 feet 
apart each way — i.e. 637 trees to the acre ; but if I had to plant 
again another foot would be given — i.e. 435 trees to the acre. 
Strong-growing varieties of Apples planted as standards will not 
have too much room for full development at 30 feet apart, or 
48 trees per acre. Weaker or slender-growing sorts may be 
planted 24 feet apart — i.e. 75 trees per acre. 
Peofitable Varieties of Apples. 
It is a very difficult matter to say definitely which are the 
most profitable varieties to plant, because soils and situation 
exercise a considerable influence on the growth and bearing 
powers of most varieties. On our light, sandy, and somewhat 
shallow soil, resting on the old red sandstone, the following have 
not only proved very prolific, but have also produced fruit of a 
size that has secured the best prices in different markets. 
Ecldinvillc heads the list, as the trees are heavy bearers and 
require little pruning ; moreover, the fruit is ready for sale in 
August, when, owing to its large size and excellent culinary 
properties, it always sells at good prices. During the past ten 
years the lowest price obtained for this variety has been £12 per 
ton, and the highest £22 per ton, the difference between the 
figures being accounted for by the supply and demand being 
good or bad. 
Lane's Prince Albert follows, on our soil, as the next best 
paying variety, running Echlinville very close indeed, as it 
combines all its good qualities with the additional merit of 
keeping perfectly sound until the end of May if stored in a 
suitable fruit-room. Considering how many early or compara- 
tively early varieties of Apples Lave been planted of late years, it 
