58 
THE APPLE. 
yards—or a mere change of site or inclination of ground may make a 
difference of a month or more in the time of gathering. Again, seasons 
vary from each other often as much as a month or six weeks in their earli¬ 
ness or lateness. Neither do appearances help the cultivator much in 
regard to the time to gather late fruit. Some sorts do reveal maturity 
by certain changes of colour or degrees of semi-transparency; but it 
needs much experience to read these signs of ripeness, and they also vary 
much with seasons, and are at times altogether hidden or wanting. How, 
then, shall the amateur know when to gather his apples ? Chiefly by 
three simple tests within easy reach of all. The apples will begin to 
fall of their own accord ; their seeds will be plump and brown in colour 
and the fruits will separate with a mere touch from the trees, without 
removing either leaves or buds with them. The first test is not always 
to be trusted. Some seasons a great proportion of a crop may fall before 
the apples are really fit to gather. It may do so from overcropping j 
from weakness or disease of the tree ; from insects in the fruit; from 
sudden checks, or other causes. Therefore, when apples begin to drop 
it is well to apply the seed and other tests before gathering the main 
crop. Experience, however, will soon teach growers whether the crop 
is dropping from accidental causes, or from ripeness. 
The seed test is also a pretty safe criterion. All that is needful is to 
halve a few apples with the knife and test the seed. The hardness and 
colour together form sure symbols of maturity. The seed may be large, 
and brown also ; but unless they cut rather hard, and seem mature and 
almost free from juice when cut across, the probability is that the apples 
are not fit to gather. The last test is the surest and most infallible 
* 
one. If the connection between the fruit and the tree, the fruit stalk and 
the buds near its base is so slight that it can be severed by the merest 
touch, then the crop may be gathered with confidence, for the connection 
between it and the tree is already virtually severed. The lines of com¬ 
munication being so weak, the apple can draw no more strength and 
support along them, and therefore may be safely separated from the tree 
at once. However, it is hot always possible to wait until the trees thus 
dismiss the fruit into the gatherer’s hand, and in late seasons another 
test may sometimes be employed with great practical advantage. The 
fruit may be suddenly lifted up to form almost a right angle with its 
line of growth. If it then comes off readily, it may be gathered, if not 
it may be left to hang as late as is safe for fear of the frost. All apples 
should be gathered before the end of October, for none will bear frost' 
with impunity. A few degrees of frost may not cause decomposition, 
but is fatal to the flavour of apples, and should never be allowed to 
touch them. 
