33 
such as old leaves, old thatch, &c., which would be beneficial 
by its rendering the loamy mass somewhat more porous. I 
sometimes introduce new and tough straw in this way, when I 
consider the loamy material too adhesive. 
255 Peaches and Nectarines. These require a south aspect, 
in most parts of England : I have known them, however, 
succeed tolerably well on an east or west, more especially 
against the end of a house, the wall of which was warmed by a 
fire at the back. They delight in an unctuous, but free, loam; 
which should be used in a mellow state, rough chopped, and 
fresh, or nearly so, from an old pasture. My plan is to mix 
straw, or fresh long stable litter, in alternate layers, all 
through the mass, — merely a sprinkling, to prevent undue 
adhesion in the soil, and to preserve an elasticity in the mass, 
which is extremely serviceable in securing a free admission of the 
atmosphere. Such stations are also less liable to receive injury 
from treading, which is apt to close newly prepared soil in a 
most prejudicial degree. When planted, they should have a 
wheelbarrow-full of prepared compost, in contact with the roots, 
as a kind of extra assistance; which may be composed of equal 
parts of crumbling loam, and old leaf soil, with a little sharp 
sand. Finally, a barrow-full of fresher manure, should be 
applied to the surface, to prevent the roots from becoming sud- 
denly dry. The depth, and general preparation of the stations, 
to be the same as for Pears. 
256 The Apricot. This valuable fruit prefers a sound loamy 
soil, from old sward, if possible, the turf incorjiorated with it. 
On replanting a situation, previously occupied by a fruit tree, 
none of the old soil should be used again for the Apricot; 
indeed the same may be said of the Peach and Nectarine, and, 
in fact, of any other fruit tree. Where a scarcity of “maiden 
loam” exists, it is better, in making the station, to exchange the 
old soil for some of the ordinary soil of the garden, which has 
been occupied by vegetables. From one-half to two-thirds of 
this may be blended with the fresh loam, taking care, as before 
observed, to mix plenty of new straw, or long stable litter, with 
the whole mass. Considerable precaution should be taken to 
avoid a gross or over-luxuriant growth ; such a habit in the 
Apricot, frequently leads to a premature decay in the main 
shoots of the tree, a disadvantage to which the Apricot is known 
257. ACCTARIUM. 
