HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 11 
spring out from the trunk and main branclies, affording tlie material for the 
occasional "thinning out" the tree receives, but without any permanent 
advantage. But, besides the borer, there is another insect, which is, if pos- 
sible, more destructive in this region; which, like the Curculio or stone 
fruits, "stings" the fruit in its infancy, causing whole crops to fall off in a 
few days. The few fruit the borer allows this tree to produce, this insect 
preys on. That it has not received the attention the Curculio has met with, 
is probably owing to the fact, that in the apple the fruit soon shrivels, and 
falls off after being "stung," while in the case of stone fruits, it remains 
hanging on, attracting the eye by its rottenness. 
That some varieties should bear fruit regularly here, while other famed 
sorts give out, may perhaps be accounted for, by the young fruit being 
harder in a young state, sourer ^ or coming later into condition than the 
other sorts, which may have "greater inducements" for insects to deposit 
their eggs. 
These seem to me to be the only serious difficulties that we have to con- 
tend with, and though nothing has, as yet, been discovered effectually to 
stop their ravages, much has been taught us, by which in a great measure 
to check them ; and there is no doubt but that the unconquerable genius of 
our race will ultimately be more than a match for these insignificant though 
formidable foes to the fruit grower. 
Though the apple will grow in almost any soil, it undoubtedly thrives 
best in a deep limestone loam. In gravelly or sandy soils, though it will 
bear pretty good crops, the fruit is never so fine as in the former case. On 
what is practically called "cold soil," or those of a wet, clayey nature, 
they become " hidebound" and mossy, and do little good. If it is possible 
to keep the ground selected as an apple orchard, under cultivation for a few 
years after the trees are planted, it would be much to the advantage of the 
proprietor. In that case, the whole ground when about to be ploughed up, 
should receive a liberal dressing of stable manure. The ground should be 
rich soil, ploughed or turned up twice in the same furrow. They will of 
course be planted in rows, and at any distance apart over twenty feet, that 
may suit the planter. Plant as soon in the fall as practicable, without even 
waiting for the " first frost" to strip them of their leaves ; that the wood be 
perfectly ripe, and has entirely ceased to grow cool, the chief things to be 
looked after. The trees, which may be had from the nurseries by the hun- 
dred, at from twelve to twenty dollars, two or three years from the bud, 
ought by no means to be allowed to get dry at their roots, after being lifted 
for transplantation. If the planting be done early in spring, more than 
