I 
I 
will be seen from our figure, is of quite an ornamental character, being o . a 
brio-lit pale yellow colour, here and there streaked or dotted with red ; it is, 
moreover, very abundantly produced. The raw fruit has a sharp acid austere 
taste, and will require considerable amelioration if it is ever to be introduce , 
as it was hoped it might be, to the dessert-table ; but as a culinary fruit it is a 
desirable novelty, as when made into a preserve it becomes agreeable and piquan,, 
and quite distinct in flavour from that of the common Quince.—T. Moobe. 
THE CULTURE OF WALL-FRUITS. 
Chapter II.— Soil. 
JKn future papers I hope to enlarge upon the practical details of the methods 
oi by which we are enabled to avail ourselves of the knowledge of the rs 
§$ principles alluded to at p. 25. At present there are other portions of my 
& subject claiming attention, and amongst them is another first pnnc.ple to 
be studied—that of the nature and condition of the soil. Without attention o 
this as a primary agent, the most perfect knowledge of the principles already is- 
cussed will be comparatively useless, as it is through the medium of the soil that 
we must, in a great measure, look for success in all other manipulations. 
In submitting a young tree to artificial treatment, our object is supposed to 
be to obtain in a comparatively short time, by means of that treatment, a ie 
advantages which would follow, after the lapse of many years, from a tree favoui- 
ably situated, and left to Nature’s own pruning. We cannot, therefore, ignoie 
Nature’s teaching, but must regulate our operations by the natural tendencies o^ 
the trees, so as not to do too much violence to them, or otherwise we may defeat 
our own ends. To follow this out in practice, I consider the purity of the soil 
that is, its freedom from all stimulating ingredients, as of paramount importance, 
in tlie early stages of the life of the tree. , . ,, 
A vigorous young maiden tree, well rooted, will find in pure virgin soil, well 
selected, sufficient pabulum or food to enable it to throw out a firin^ healthy and 
fruitful growth for some years. Any admixture of stimulating mgiet len s is leie 
fore injudicious, being certain to produce a soft-wooded, pithy, and unfruitful 
habit of growth, quite unsuited to be made the foundation upon w it o ill 
up, in the future, a healthy, firm-wooded, fruitful tree, anc. mdeec leiy o en 
necessitating a fresh start altogether. , 
Now it is in these two distinct characteristics of growth— firm, not too large, 
but clean and fruitful wood, and coarsely-grown, soft, and unfruitful wood t a 
we find the very conditions which influence success ; and it is by avoiding the 
latter, and securing the former, that a safe foundation is laid. This should always 
be borne in mind by young gardeners who are called upon to make new puna- 
tions of fruit-trees. As a rule, and if time is no object, it is best to start with 
maiden trees, but occasions may arise in which it may be desirab e o p an sees 
in a more advanced stage of growth; and here a knowledge of the above distinc¬ 
tions will be of value in enabling the purchaser to select trees furnished wit i 
