THE FRUIT CULTIVATOR. 
27 
avoided if possible : no kind of apple thriving long if the roots once 
enter into such a cold substratum. 
Deep rich soils in sheltered situations are not the most proper for 
the apple, though such have been most erroneously recommended by 
writers who ought to have known better. For it is often seen that 
apple trees succeeded well in any kind of loam, though it be not more 
than one foot in depth, so as the bottom is sound and dry, the roots 
take an extensive horizontal range, the young wood is always of more 
moderate growth, and better ripened than where roots strike deep into 
the ground. 
Although local circumstances often control the wishes of the plan¬ 
ter, compelling him to fix on a site where the soil may not be exactly 
like what is recommended above; he must, in this case, endeavour to 
make the soil by trenching, draining, and by addition of the qualities 
wanting, bring it as near to the standard as possible. 
Situation and Aspect for planting Apple Trees .—The situation 
of an orchard should neither be in the bottom of a narrow valley, nor 
on the top of a hill: in the first, the bearing wood is never so well 
ripened, the buds are often too early excited in the spring, and there, 
frosts are always more intensely felt; in the second, fruit-bearing trees 
are always too much exposed to winds. The most desirable site is 
the side of a hill which slopes gently to the south, or south-east. If 
higher ground or a belt of forest trees bound it on the north, it is an 
advantage, as yielding shelter, often necessary to break the cutting 
winds of March and April. A western aspect is not to be preferred, 
because of the violent gales often experienced from that quarter; 
more especially during the months of March, when the buds are swel¬ 
ling, and in September, when many of the trees are loaded with fruit. 
If, however, a western slope be the only choice (other circumstances 
of soil, &c., being favourable,) the planter has only to take care 
that the fruit trees be protected by screens of forest trees on the ex¬ 
posed points. This may be done, in a great measure, by the fruit 
trees themselves, that is, by planting the hardiest kinds, and tallest 
growers, on the north or windward sides, and placing the more deli¬ 
cate and lower growers towards the south. 
Forcing Apple Trees in Pots .—The Juneating is an eligible sort 
for growing in pots; and the best manner of treating the trees is as 
follows:—Provide neat little maiden plants on paradise stocks, and 
pots for each twelve inches wide at top and ten in depth. Prepare 
some good compost, like that used for melons; that is, fresh hazel- 
loam with plenty of decomposed old hot-bed or other dung. Drain 
the pots well; and, when potted, plunge them in the ground in a 
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