62 



JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



tree full of bloom, and tlie sparrows tore every blossom to bits 

 with their beaks. 



A gentleman asked -whether the use of petrolemn for removal 

 of American blight and such things was likely to injure the 

 trees ? 



Mr. Fraser replied that petroleum in very small quantity 

 did no harm to the trees, but care should be taken that the 

 brush was only just moistened with it. He considered helebore 

 powder dusted over the leaves when damp was the best cure for 

 caterpillar. 



VAEIETIES OF APPLES FOR SUSSEX, AND THEIE 

 CULTIVATION ON HEAVY SOILS. 



By Mr. Joseph Cheal, F.R.H.S., Craw^ley. 



As the subject of supplying our own markets with fruit grown 

 at home is rightly claiming much attention, it is important to 

 know where to plant, how to plant, and what to plant ; and in 

 this paper I will try to give in compact form a few facts relating 

 to apple culture upon heavy soils that have been gleaned from a 

 number of years of close observation, in the hope that it may be 

 a guide and a warning to those who may be entering upon this 

 industry without much practical knowledge of the subject. 



In Sussex and the southern parts of Surrey the soil consists 

 almost entirely of the wealden clay, and this being of a some- 

 what close, retentive nature, it is necessary to exercise care in 

 the selection of the varieties best suited to the district to ensure 

 the best results. 



In the following selection I am supposing that the object is 

 the growth of apples for profit, therefore I mention only those 

 that are found to make vigorous, healthy growth, produce good 

 and regular crops, and of such a quantity and size as to com- 

 mand a ready sale in the market. 



In the first place I will name twelve varieties that can be 

 recommended for growing as orchard standards, placing them in 

 the order of ripening : — 



Duchess of Oldenburg. — A very handsome fruit, striped 

 with crimson, and carrying a delicate bloom. It is an early and 

 abundant bearer, a moderate grower, with a somewhat spreading 

 habit. 



Worcester Pearmain. — A medium-sized, conical, and very 

 handsome apple , covered with bright crimson . Useful for kitchen 

 or dessert, a good cropper, and its showy appearance commands 

 for it a ready sale. Tree, an upright grower. 



