XLVI 
APPLE TREES GO CRAZY 
I SN’T IT ODD that an apple tree planted in Florida 
goes crazy! 
Many apple trees have been planted there, and the re¬ 
port on their actions leads to the conclusion that they 
invariably become nervous wrecks, quite incapable of 
normal action. 
The apple tree is a child of the North. Its natural home 
is among the snows. Through the ages it has been accus¬ 
tomed to long periods of inaction, standing leafless 
through the winter months. 
When the tree is transplanted to the South, this plan 
is upset. No cold comes in the autumn to nip its leaves 
and put it to sleep. It keeps on putting forth leaves, try¬ 
ing to become an evergreen like the orange. But it misses 
its sleep and so begins to act queerly. 
It blooms fitfully at all seasons of the year. This south¬ 
ern climate has caused it to forget the regular routine of 
its life. It may set fruit, but it does not know when 
to ripen it. This fruit is likely to drop at unexpected 
times. 
When northern varieties of apples are brought but a 
little south of their normal home, they lose their hardi¬ 
ness. Apples that are crisp and firm and have good keep¬ 
ing qualities in New York State lose their vigor when they 
are grown in Virginia. Often they begin decaying before 
they fall from the tree. Successful crops can be raised in 
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