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Desien or a Mtxep Fruir anp Kitcuen Garpen 150 X 200 Fret. THH FRUIT GARDEN; A TREATISE INTENDED TO EXPLAIN AND ILLUSTRATE THE PHYSIOLOGY OF FRUIT TREES, THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF ALL OPERATIONS CONNECTED WITH THE PROPAGATION, TRANSPLANTING, PRUNING AND TRAINING OP ORCHARD AND GARDEN TREES, AS STANDARDS, DWARFS, PYRAMIDS, ESPALIERS, ETC., ORCHARDS AND GARDENS, THE SELECTION OF SUITABLE VARIETIES FOR DIFFERENT’ PURPOSES AMD LOCALITIES, GATHERING AND PRESERVING FRUITS, TREATMENT OF DISEASES, DESTRUCTION OF INSECTS, DESCRIPTIONS AND USES OF IMPLEMENTS, ETC. ILLUSTRATED WITH UPWARDS OF 150 FIGURES, REPRESENTING DIFFERENT PARTS OF TREES, ALL PRACTICAL OPERATIONS, FORMS OF TREES, DESIGNS FOR PLANTATIONS, IMPLEMENTS, ETC. , - | a BY PX BARRY, OF THE MOUNT HOPE NURSERIES, ROCHESTER, NEW YORK. NEW YORK: CHARLES SCRIBNER. 1852. es Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1851, by CHARLES SCRIBNER, In the Cierk’s Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York. INTRODUCTION. Tue subject of this treatise is one in which almpst all classes of the community are more or less practically engaged and inter- ested. Agriculture is pursued by one class, and commerce by another ; the mechanic arts, fine arts, and learned professions by others ; but fruit culture, to a greater or less extent, by all. It is the desire of every man, whatever may be his pursuit or cvndition in life, whether he live in town or country, to enjoy fine fruits, to provide them for his family, and, if possible, to cultivate the trees in his own garden with his own hands. The agricul- turist, whatever be the extent or condition of his grounds, con- siders an orchard, at least, indispensable. The merchant or pro- fessional man who has, by half a lifetime of drudgery in town, secured a fortune or a competency that enables him to retire to a country or suburban villa, looks forward to his fruit garden as one of the chief_sources of those rural comforts and pleasures he so long and so earnestly labored and hoped for. The artizan who has laid wp enough from his earnings to purchase a homestead, considers the planting of his fruit trees as one of the first and most important steps towards improvement. He anticipates the pleasure of tending them in his spare hours, of watching their growth and progress to maturity, and of gathering their ripe and delicious fruits, and placing them before his family and friends as * iv - INTRODUCTION. the valued products of his own garden, and of his own skill and labor. Fortunately, in the United States, land is so easily ob- tained as to be within the reach of every industrious man ; and the climate and soil being so favorable to the production of fruit, Americans, if they be not already, must become truly “ a nation of fruit growers.” Fruit culture, therefore, whether considered as a branch of profitable industry, or as exercising a most beneficial influence upon the health, habits, and tastes of the people, becomes a great national interest, and whatever may assist in making it better un- derstood, and more interesting, and better adapted to the various wants, tastes, and circumstances of the community, cannot fail to subserve the public good. Within a few years past it has received an unusual degree of attention. Plantations of all sorts, orchards, gardens, and nur- series, have increased in numbers and extent to a degree quite un- precedented ; not in one section or locality, but from the extreme north to the southern limits of the fruit-growing region. Foreign supplies of trees have been required to mect the suddenly and greatly increased demand. Treatises and periodicals devoted to the subject have increased rapidly and circulated widely. Horticul- tural societies have been organized in all parts; while exhibitions, and national, state, and local conventions of fruit growers, have been held to discuss the merits of fruits and other kindred topics. To those unacquainted with the previous condition of fruit cul- ture in the interior of the country, this new planting spirit has appeared as a sort of speculative mania, and the idea has sug- gested itself to them that the country will soon be overstocked with fruits. This is a greatly mistaken apprehension. After all that has been done, let us look at the actual condition of fruit culture at the present time. In the best fruit-growing counties INTRODUCTION. Vv in the State of New York, the entire fruit plantations of more than three fourths of the agricultural population consist of very ordinary orchards of apples. Not a dish of fine pears, plums, cherries, apricots, grapes, or raspberries, has ever appeared on their tables, and not a step has yet been taken to produce them. People are but beginning to learn the uses of fruits, and to appreciate their importance. At one time apples were grown chiefly for cider ; now they are: considered indispensable articles of food. The finer fruits, that were formerly considered as luxuries only for the tables of the wealthy, are beginning to take their place among the ordinary supplies of every man’s table; and this taste must grow from year to year, with an increased supply. Those who consume a bushel of fruit this year, will require double or treble that quantity next. The rapid increase of population alone, creates a demand to an extent that few people are aware of. The city of Roches- ter has added 20,000 to her numbers in ten years. Let such an increase as this in all our cities, towns, and villages, be estimated, and see what an aggregate annual amount of new consumers it presents. New markets are continually presenting themselves and de- manding large supplies. New and more perfect modes of pack- ing and shipping fruits, and of drying, preserving, and preparing them for various purposes to which they have not hitherto been appropriated, are beginning to enlist attention and inquiry. Immense amounts of money are annually expended in import- ing grapes, wines, figs, nuts, prunes, raisins, currants, almonds, &e., many of which might be produced perfectly well on our own soil. Pears have actually been imported from France by the New York confectioners, this present season, (1851.) These are facts that should be well understood by proprietors of lands, vi INTRODUCTION. and especially by those who have allowed themselves to imagine that fruit will soon be so plenty as not to be worth the growing. It is too soon by a century to apprehend an over supply of fruits in the United States, except of some very perishable sort, in a season of unusual abundance, in some particular locality where one branch of culture is mainly carried on. Tt is because fruit culture has been almost entirely neglected until within a few years, that the present activity appears so ex- traordinary. A vast majority of the people were quite unaware of the treasures within their reach; and that in regard to soil and climate they possessed advantages for fruit growing superior to any other nation We had no popular works or periodicals to diffuse information or awaken interest on the subject. For four- teen or fifteen years Hovey’s Magazine of Horticulture was the only journal exclusively devoted to gardening subjects, and it only found its way into the hands of the more advanced culti- — vators. We had some treatises on fruits, but none of them cir- culated sufficiently to effect much good. Previous to 1845, Ken- rick’s American Orchardist, and Manning’s Book of Fruits, were the principal treatises that had any circulation worth naming. Coxe’s work, Floy’s, Prince’s, and some others, were confined almost wholly to nursery-men, or persons already engaged and interested in fruit culture in the older parts of the country. Mr. Downing’s “ Fruit and Fruit Trees of America,” that ap- peared in 1845, was the first treatise of the kind that really ob- tained a wide and general circulation. It made its appearance at a favorable moment, just as the planting spirit referred to was beginning to manifest itself, and when, more than at any previous period, such a work was needed. Mr. Downing enjoyed great advantages over any previous Ameri- can writer. During the ten years that had elapsed since the INTRODUCTION. Vil publication of Kenrick’s and Prince’s treatises, a great fund of materials had been accumulating. Messrs. Manning, Kenrick, Prince, Wilder, and many others, had been industriously collect- ing fruits both at home and abroad. The Massachusetts Horti- cultural Society was actively engaged in its labors. The London Horticultural Society had made great advancement in its exami- nation and trial of fruits, and had corrected a multitude of long standing errors in nomenclature. Mr. Downing’s work had the benefit of all this ; and possessing the instructive feature of outline figures of fruits, and being writ- ten in a very agreeable and attractive style, it possessed the ele- ments of popularity and usefulness in an eminent degree. Hence it became at once the text-book of every man who sought for pomological information, or felt interested in fruits or fruit trees. ; and to itis justly attributable much of the taste and spirit on the subject, and the increased attention to nomenclature, that so dis- tinguishes the present time. Mr. Thomas’s recent treatise, ‘‘ The American Fruit Culturist,” on the same plan as Mr. Downing’s, is also a popular work, and will be the means of diffusing both taste and information. Mr Thomas is a close and accurate observer, and his descriptions are peculiarly concise, methodical and minute. ‘‘ Cole’s Fruit Book’? is also a recent treatise, and on account of its cheapness and the vast accumulation of facts and information it contains is highly popular and useful. Be- sides these, periodicals devoted more or less to the subject, have increased in number and greatly extended their circulation, so that information is now accessible to all who desire it. The light which has been shed upon fruit-growing by these works, and the taste they have created, have not only improved old systems of cultivation, but introduced new ones. Until within a few years nothing was said or known among the great body of vili INTRODUCTION. cultivators, or even nursery-men, of dwarfing trees, of the uses of certain stocks, or of modes of propagation and pruning by which trees are made to bear early, and are adapted to different circum-. stances. The entire routine of the propagation and management of trees was conducted generally in the simplest and rudest manner. Whether for the garden or the orchard they were propagated in the same manner, on the same stocks, and in the same form taken from the nursery, planted out and left there to assume such forms as nature or accident might impose, and produce fruit at such a time as natural circumstances would admit. The art of planting fifty trees on a quarter of an acre of ground, and bringing them into a fruitful state in four or five years at most, was entirely unknown. Small gardens were en- cumbered with tall, unshapely, and unfruitful trees, that afforded no pleasure to the cultivator ; and thousands of persons, who are now the most enthusiastic cultivators, were entirely discouraged from the attempt Fruit gardening, properly speaking, may be said only to have commenced. It is no longer a matter of mere utility, but of taste also; and, therefore, adaptation, variety, and beauty, are sought for in garden trees and modes of culture and management. Nothing so distinguishes the taste of modern planting as the partiality for dwarf trees, and the desire to obtain information in regard to their propagation and treatment. This has not been anticipated by any of our authors. The standard or orchard system alone is fully treated of, as being the only one practised ; and this requires so little skill in the art of culture, that only the simplest instructions have been given. The very elements of the science haye been unexplained and unstudied, and cultivators in the main find themselves both desti- tute of knowledge in regard to the management of trees in the INTRODUCTION. 1X more refined and artificial forms, and the sources from which to obtain it. But a very small proportion of those engaged or en- gaging in tree culture have studied the physiology of trees in any degree. Very few have the slightest knowledge of the modes of growth and bearing of the different species of fruits, or even of the difference between wood or leaf buds, and fruit buds. Very few understand the functions of the different parts of trees, and the relation in which they stand one to another ; the principles that govern and regulate the growth and maturity, the formation of wood and the production of fruit. Practice is no better under- stood than principle. Persons engaged largely in tree growing will frequently ask the most absurd questions on the subject of propagation, of stocks, of pruning, &c., matters that should be understood by every man who has a single tree to manage, but especially indispensable to those who wish to succeed in conduct- ing garden trees under certain modified forms, more or less opposed to the natural. The preparation of ground, laying out small gardens, the selection of suitable trees, and a multitude of minor but nevertheless important matters, are very imperfectly understood. Neither our state nor national governments have ever manifested a disposition to favor the rural arts with any- thing like a liberal patronizing policy. Advanced, wealthy and powerful as we are, not a single step has been taken, in earnest, to establish model farms or model gardens, in which experiments might be made and examples given that would enlighten cultiva- tors, and elevate and honor their profession, Whatever adyance has been made is due wholly to individual taste, energy, and enter- prise; and to these alone are we permitted to look for future progress. Having for many years devoted much attention to this particu- lar branch of culture, and feeling deeply interested in its success, 1* x INTRODUCTION. and having, bya business intercourse with cultivators in all parts of the country, an ample opportunity of understanding the nature and extent of the information desired, I have prepared the fol- lowing pages to supply it at least in part. I am well convinced that the work is neither perfect nor com- plete. It has been prepared, during a few weeks of the winter, in the midst of other engagements that rendered it impossible to be- stow upon it the necessary care and labor. My original intention was to give a few brief directions for the management of garden trees, but it was suggested by friends that it would prove more generally useful by adding a sketch of the entire routine of opera- tions, from the propagation in the nursery to the management in the orchard and garden. This has involved much more labor than it was intended to bestow on it, or than I could really spare from business. It has, therefore, been performed hastily, and, of course, in many respects imperfectly, but yet it is hoped it contains such an exposition of principles and practices as cannot fail to diffuse amongst the inexperienced much needed informa- tion. All doubtful theories, and whatever had not a direct prac- tical bearing on the subjects treated, have been excluded, both for the sake of brevity, and to avoid anything calculated to mislead. The principles and practices set forth are not new, visionary, or doubtful, but such as are taught and practised by the most accomplished cultivators of the day, and have been success- fully carried out in the daily operations of our own establishment. In the pruning and management of garden trees, the French arboriculturists surpass all others. Their trees are models that have no equals, and that all the world admire. The English, notwithstanding their great gardening skill, and their refined and elegant modes of culture, are far behind the French in the management of fruit trees. French systems of pruning and INTRODUCTION. xl training are at this moment advocated and held up as. models by such men as Mr. Robert Thompson, head of the fruit department in the London Horticultural Society’s Garden ; by Mr. Rivers, well known on this side of the Atlantic as one of the most ener- getic and accomplished nurserymen in Great Britain; and by many others whose skill and judgment command attention. Their introduction to English gardens is going on rapidly, and bids fair to revolutionize their whole practice of fruit tree culture. D’Albrét’s great work on pruning is conceded to be the best extant on that subject. He was the pupil and successor of M. Thouin, the world-renowned vegetable physiologist and founder of the great national gardens at Paris. His practice is founded upon the true principles of vegetable physiology, and strengthened by long years of the most minute and successful experiment. M. Dubrieul, late conductor of the fruit department in the Garden of Rouen, has also published an excellent treatise on arboriculture ; and there are many other French works on the subject, all showing how thoroughly the science is there under- stood, and how minutely and skilfully its principles are dealt with. all, These as well as the best-managed gardens and the most perfect and beautiful trees in France and Belgium, have been carefully studied. The knowledge thus acquired, added to the experience of many years’ actual and extensive practice, constitutes the basis of the course recommended. The same minute detail that characterizes European works has not been attempted, yet much detail is absolutely necessary in order to prevent misapprehension on the part of those wholly inexperienced. Writers are apt to treat simple matters too much in the general, presuming them to be well understood. Detail is always tedious xil INTRODUCTION. to those familiar with the subject, but nothing less can be satisfac tory to the student. For the sake of convenient reference, the different branches of the subject have been separated into four parts, The first treats of general principles, a knowledge of the structure, character, and functions of the different parts of trees, modes of growth, bearing, &c., &c.; soils, manures, modes of propagation, &e. This must be the ground-work of the study of tree culture. The second treats of the nursery. The third of plantations, orchards of different kinds, gardens, &c.; their laying out and management, and of the pruning and training of trees in different forms. The fourth contains abridged descriptions of the best fruits, a chapter.on gathering and preserving fruits, another on diseases and insects, and another on the implements in com- mon use. Illustrations haye been introduced wherever the nature of the subject seemed to require them, and it was possible to get them prepared. It is believed that these will prove of great value in imparting a correct knowledge of the various subjects. Upwards of one hundred of the more important figures have been drawn from nature by Prof. Sintzenich of Rochester. P. B. / Mount Hope Garden and Nurseries, Rocuester, N. Y. CONTENTS. PART L. GENERAL PRINCIPLES. CHAPTER I. PAGS Names, Descriptions, AND OFFICES OF THE DIFFERENT PaRTs OF Fruit TREEs, : : : ; - ° : I CHAPTER II. Sots, ° . ° ° ° ° ° e ° 48 CHAPTER III. Manvres, : ‘ : : x . ° ‘ 54 GHAPTER LV. Tue Dirrrrent Mopes or Propacatina Fruit Trees, . ° 60 CHAPTER V. Prunine—Irs Princrptes anp PractTIcE, . A ‘ ' 83 XIV CONTENTS. PART i THE NURSERY . ‘ . ° . ° ° 105 PART THE. PLANTATIONS, ORCHARDS, ETC. CHAPTER I. : Permanent Puantations oF Fruit TREES, : : ° 157 CHAP TE Fi i, PRUNING APPLIED TO THE DIFFERENT SPECIES OF Fruit TREES UNDER DIFFERENT Forms, : : ; 2 ie 203 PAIL iy. SELECT VARIETIES OF FRUITS. CHAPTER I. ABRIDGED DrscripTIONs OF SELECT VARIETIES OF FRUITS, ; | ’ CHAPTER 11. GaTHERING, PackInc, TRANSPORTATION AND PRESERVATION OF Fruits, 354 CHAPTER III. DisEases AND InsEcTs, : F : : : 361 CHAPTER - IV. Nursery, Orcuarp anv Fruir Garpen ImpLeMENTs, . ‘ 377 PART. ¥. — SO GENERAL PRINCIPLES. GENERAL PRINCIPLES. CEA PUP Ricks NAMES, DESCRIPTIONS, AND OFFICES OF THE DIF- FERENT PARTS OF FRUIT TREES. General Remarks —AA. Tree is a living body composed of many parts, such as roots, branches, leaves, buds, blos- Fig.1,atree. A, the collar. B, the main root. OC, lateral root. D, fibres. E, stem or trunk. F, main branches. G, secondary branches. 4H, shoots, one year’s growth. 1 soms, fruit, &c. All these have different offices to fulfil, assume different forms and characters, and are known and designated from one another by different names when subjected to the practical operation of culture. Without some knowledge of the names and structure of these diiferent parts, of the principles that guide their development, their relative connec- tion with, and influence upon one another, tree culture cannot be, to any man, really pleasant, in- tellectual, or successful; but a misty, uncertain, unintelligible routine of manual labor. | The industry of our times is pe- culiarly distinguished by the ap- plication of science—the union of theory with practice in every de- partment; and surely the votaries of the garden, whose labors, of 2 GENERAL PRINCIPLES. all others, should be intelligent, will not allow themselves to fall behind and perform their labors in the dark. Fully sensible of the importance of this preliminary study, and conftdent that the minute and practical details of culture cannot be well understood without it, I propose here, before entering upon the-main subject, to describe, in as few and as plain words as possible, the structure, character, connection, and respective offices of the various parts of fruit trees, and the names by —_ each is known in practice. Srction 1.—Tue Root. Tue Roor is composed of several parts. 1st. The collar (A, fig. 1), which is the centre of growth, or point of union between the root and stem, usually at or just below the surface of the ground. In root gratft- ing seedlings, this is the point where the graft is set. 2d. The body or main root (B, fig. 1), which usually penetrates the earth in a vertical direction, and decreases in size as it proceeds downwards from the collar. It is also called the tap root. A seedling that has not been transplanted has usually but one descending or tap root, furnished in all its length with minute hairy fibres. 3d. The lateral roots (C, fig. 1) are principal divisions or branches of the main root, and take more or less of a spreading or horizontal direction. When seedlings are transplanted, having a portion of the tap root cut off, these lateral or side roots are immediately formed. Ath. The jibres or rootlets (D, fig. 1) are the minute hair. like roots which we see most abundant off#trees that have been frequently transplanted. Different species of trees vary much in their natural tendency to produce fibres. Thus the pear and the apple require frequent transplant- ing, and often root pruning, to produce that fibrous condi- tion which is necessary to great fruitfulness; whilst the THE ROOT. 3 _ paradise apple, used as a stock for dwarf trees, and the quince, are always quite fibrous, the former never, and the latter seldom requiring root pruning. 5th. Zhe spongioles are the extremities of the fibres, porous and spongy, through which the food of trees de- rived from the soil is mainly absorbed ; these points are composed of soft, newly-formed, delicate tissue, and are exceedingly susceptible of injury. The slightest bruise or exposure to a dry or cold air is fatal to them; and this is the reason why transplanted trees receive generally such a severe check and so frequently die. If trees could be taken up in such a way that these spongioles could all, or mostly, be preserved, trees would receive no check whatever; hence large trees are removed in midsummer without a leaf flagging. 6th. Growth of Loots—The most popular theory at this time is—that the growth of roots is produced. by the pro- longment of the woody vessels of the stem, which descend in successive layers to the extremities af the roots, and thus promote their extension. When these descending layers are Se in their course by some natural or accidental cause, or by art, as when we cut off the ends of roots, they pierce the bark and form new roots or new divisions of the root in the same manner that branches are produced on the stem. Thus the roots furnish food to the stem and branches for their support and enlargement, and inreturn, the stem and branches send down layers of young wood to increase and solidify the root; the one depending entirely upon the other for its growth and existence. Practical cultivators are familiar with many facts that illustrate the intimate rela- tions and mutual dependency of the roots and stems. For instance, where one portion of the head or branches is much larger or more vigorous than the other, if the roots he examined, it will be found that those immediately 4. GENERAL PRINCIPLES. under, or in direct connection with the largest branches, will have acorresponding size and vigor. In cases where one side of the top of a large tree is cut off, as in top grafting, a large number of new shoots are produced on the cut branch, and, if the roots be examined under or in connection with this branch, a corresponding new growth will be found there. It is quite obvious from these and similar facts, that whatever affects the roots or stems of trees favorably or unfavorably, affects the whole tree. If the foliage of a tree be entirely removed in the growing season, the absorbent action of the roots is sus- pended ; and if the spongioles or absorbing points of the roots be cut off, the growth of the top instantly ceases. Those who have leisure should pursue the study of these highly interesting and important points still further. Srction 2.—Tnr Srem. The Stem is that part of a tree which starts from the collar and grows upwards. It sustains all the branches, and forms the channel of communication between the different parts of the tree from one extremity to the other. Plants like the grape, with twining or climbing stems, are called vines, and such as have no main stem, but have branches diverging from the collar, as the gooseberry, cur- rant, &c., are called shrubs or bushes. Where the stem is destitute of branches to some distance from the ground, it is usually called the trunk. Different Parts of the Stem.—A. stem or branch of a tree is composed of the following parts, which are dis- tinctly observable when we cut it across. Fig. 2 repre- sents the half of a cross section of the stem of a young tree five years old. 1. The Lind or Outer Bark (A) on shoots or young parts of trees; this is thin, smooth, and delicate, like tissue THE STEM. 5 paper, pau is ensly separated from the parts beneath it. QI ny co In some species, as the A iy Ahi i SATA en grape vine, for example, ; EE this rind is shed and re- A | / iN newed annually, whilst E | AT TH | in others, as the apple, SL} pear, &c., it unites with Fic, 2 F: / the layer of tissue be- Fig. 2, half of the hori- neath it, and forms a zontal section ofa five year old stem. .4, outer bark hard, scaly, or corky or rind. B, inner bark or substance, usually eall- liber. C.sap-wood or last Fig. 2. . ; . eee: d cortical layers, which formed layer. D, perfect wood. E, pith. F, e us vertical section of a five year old stem, showing separate from the tree the five lay f i 7 ° ° pray ayers of perpendicular woody tubes or at different periods, ac- cording to the age of the subject and other circumstances. It is these cortical layers that give rise to the expres- sions smooth and rough back. 2. The Inner Bark or Liber (B.)\—This is the interior portion of the bark in immediate contact with the wood. It is composed of perpendicular layers of soft, flexible fibres, filled up with tissue. It is this part of the bark of the Basswood that is used for budding ties, &c., the tissue being separated from the woody fibre by maceration. 3. The Sap-wood (C.)\—This is the youngest or last- formed layer of wood, immediately below the inner bark. It is distinguished in all trees by being softer and lighter colored than the older parts. 4. The Heart or Perfect-wood (D.)\—This is the central or interior portion of the stem or branch, grown firm and mature by age. It is generally a shade darker in color than the newly-formed part or sap-wood. 5. The Pith (#.)\—This is the soft, spongy substance in the centre of the stem and branches. In soft-wooded species, like the grape vine, it is large ; in hard-wooded 6- GENERAL PRINCIPLES. species, as the apple, pear, quince, &c., small. In young shoots it is soft, green, and succulent, and fills an impor- tant part in their development. In the old part it is dry, shrivelled, and seems incapable of taking any part in the process of vegetation, and this appears evident from the fact that trees often continue to flourish after the centre, containing the pith, has begun to decay. Structure of the Stem—The stem is composed of woody fibre and cellular tissue, a substance similar to the pith. The woody fibre is arranged in perpendicular layers, and the cellular tissue in horizontal layers, rmmning from the pith to the bark and connecting them. The mingling of these two systems gives to the surface of the cross sec- tion of a stem the beautifyl veined or netted appearance observable in fig. 2. The perpendicular layers of woody fibre are most clearly observable when we cut a stem ver- tically ; they are then easily separated from one another. The layers or plates of tissue radiating from the centre to the stem are usually called the medullary rays. The inner bark or liber, as has been stated, is, like the wood, composed of thin layers of delicate perpendicular fibres mixed with tissue. Growth of the Stem.—The stem of a tree is originally the extension of the cellulartissue of the seed. As soon as leaves are formed they organize new matter, which de- scends and forms woody fibres: the layers sent down from the first leaves are covered with those sent down from the next, and so on, one layer after another is produced until the end of the season, when the leaves fall and growth ceases. A yearling tree has, therefore, a greater number of layers of woody fibre at the collar than at the top, and is, consequently, thicker; the second year the buds on the first year’s growth produce shoots, and these organize new layers of woody fibre, that descend and cover those of the previous year, and thus growth proceeds from BRANCHES. 7 year to year. Between each year’s growth there is gene- rally a line, in some cases more conspicuous than in others, that marks off the formation of each year, so that we are able to reckon the ages of trees with great accuracy by these rings. When it happens that a tree, from certain circumstances, makes more growth one season than another, we find the ring of that season larger. The new wood is always formed between the inner bark and the last layer of wood, so that one layer is laid upon, and outside of another, and the bark is continually pressed outwards. The new layers of bark are also formed at the same place, or within the previous one. From this mode of growth, it results that each layer of wood is more deeply imbedded as others are formed on the top of it; and each layer of bark is pressed outwards as others are formed within it. In some cases, as in the cherry, for example, the bark is so tough as not always to yield to the general expansion of the tree, and slitting is resorted to for the purpose of preventing an unnatural rupture, which would eventually take place by the continued pressure of growth from within. Section 3.—BRANCHES. Branches are the divisions of the stem, and have an organization precisely similar: they are designated as, Ist. Main Branches (Ff, fig. 1); those that are directly connected with the stem or trunk. In pyramidal trees, they are called lateral branches. The branches of different species and varieties of fruit trees, differ much in their habits of growth; and it is highly important to the planter to consider these peculiarities, because certain habits of growth are better adapted to particular circumstances than others. Thus we have erect branches (fig. 3), which produce trees ° 8 GENERAL PRINCIPLES. of an upright and compact form. Curved erect branches ‘fig. 4), proceeding almost horizontally from the stem for short distance, and then becoming erect; these, also, HUG.ros Fie. 4. HrG./5. Figs. 3,4, 5, different habits of growth of trees. 3, erect ; 4, curved erect; 5, spreading or horizontal. form upright symmetrical heads, but much more open than the preceding. Also, horizontal or spreading branches (fig. 5), that form wide-spreading heads with irregular outline. And, lastly, drooping branches, when they fall below the horizontal line. The branches of most varie- ties of apples and pears become pendulous when they have borne some time; and even in young trees of par- ticular varieties, some of the branches assume a drooping and irregular habit. 2d. Secondary Branches (G, fig. 1), are the divisions of the main branches: occasionally those near the stem:- take such a prominent part in forming the outline of the tree, as to assume all the character of main branches, ex cepting in position. 3d. Shoots (H, fig. 1). This is the name by which BRANCHES. 9 young parts are designated from the time they emerge from the bud until they have completed their first season’s growth. These have also important peculiarities that serve to distinguish certain varieties. They are vari- ously designated as stout or slender, stiff or flexible, erect or spreading, short jointed if the buds be close together, and long jointed when the contrary. The colors of their bark are also strikingly different, and form very obvious distinctions amongst varieties. The Snow Peach, for in- stance, has pale greenish shoots, by which it is at once distinguished. The Jurgonelle, Rostiezer, and many other varieties of the pear, have dark purplish shoots, while the Dix and St. Germain are quite yellowish, the Glout ee N= Ss = ee as SS ae Fia, 6. Fie. 7. Fie. 8. Fig. 6, wood branch of the apple. 7, fruit branch; 4, B, C, young spurs on two year-old wood. §, fruit branch of the pear; .4, B, C, young spurs on two-year-os wood. “ 10 GENERAL PRINCIPLES. Morceau, grey or drab, and the Bartlett and Buffam quite reddish. The shoots of certain varieties of apples and pears, and especially plums, are distinguished by being downy, furnished to a greater or less extent with a soft and hairy covering—in some cases barely obsery- able. 4th. Wood Branches (fig. 6) are those bearing only wood buds. 5th. Mruit Branches are those bearing fruit buds ex- clusively. They are presented to us under different forms and circumstances, all of which it is of the highest im- portance to understand. In kernel fruits, such as the apple and pear, the most ordinary form of the fruit branch is that generally called the fruit spur (A, B, C, figs. 7, 8,9). It appears first as a prominent bud, as in fig. 7, on wood at least two years old; and for two or three seasons it produces but a rosette of leaves, and con- tinues to increase in length, as in fig. 9. After it has produced fruit, it generally branches, and, if properly managed, will bear fruit for many years. Ap- ple and pear trees of bearing age, and in a fruitful condition, will be found covered with these spurs on all parts of the head except the young shoots. In addition to the fruct spur, there are on the kernel fruits slender fruit branches, about as large as a goose quill, and from six to eight inches in length (fig. 10); the buds are long, Fie. 9. Fig. 9, fruit branch of the pear. A, B, and C, older spurs. BRANCHES. Bt | narrow, and prominent, and the first year or two after their appearance, produce but rosettes of leaves, yielding fruit generally about the third year. On trees well fur- nished with fruit spurs, these slender branches are of little account, but they are useful on young trees not fully in a bear- ing state. They are generally pro- duced on the lower or older parts of the branches or stem, and, in the first place, are slender shoots with wood buds only ; but owing to their unfavorable position and fee- ble structure, they receive only a smali portion of the ascending sap, and the consequence is, they be- come stunted, and _ transformed into fruit branches. In pruning young trees, slender shoots are fre- quently bent over, or fastened in a crooked position to transform them into fruit branches of this kind; but this will be treated of in its Tie, 10. Fie. 11 proper place. Certain varieties of apples have a natural habit of bearing the fruit Fig. 10, slender fruit branch of the apple—all the buds are fruit buds. Fig. 11, a branch of the apple showing the ten- dency of some varieties to bear on the points of the branches. A, the point where a fruit was borne last season ; B, a shoot of last year; C, its terminal fruit bud. on the points of the lateral shoots; and frequently these terminal fruit buds are formed during the first season’s growth of the shoot. Fig. 11 is an example; A is the point where a fruit was borne last season; 2B, a shoot of last season; and C’ its terminal bud, which is a fruit bud. The fruit branches of the peach, apricot, and nectarine, are productions of one season’s growth; the fruit buds form one season and blossom the next; but as on the 19 GENERAL PRINCIPLES. apple and pear, there are different forms of the fruit branch. In the first place the fruit spur (A, fig. 12), a group of buds like a bouquet; these are little stunt- ed branches on the steak Gis older wood that have wis whedon assumed ) this. torm. . The most important fruit branches of these trees are the vigorous shoots of the last season’s growth, containufg both fruit and wood buds (fig. 18), and the slender fruit branches, bearing all single fruit buds, except a wood bud or two at the base. Fig. 14 represents such a branch of the peach, A and B being wood buds. The fruit branches of the plwm and cherry, and the gooseberry and currant, are similarly pro- duced. A yearling shoot, for instance, the second season, will produce a shoot from its terminal bud, and probably shoots from two or three other buds immediately below the ter- minal, whilst those lower down will be trans- formed into fruit buds, and produce fruit the third season. Fig.15 is a branch of the cherry. A is the two-year-old wood; 3B, one year; Cand J), fruit spurs on the two- year-old wood, with a wood bud usually at the point. Fig. 16 is a fruit spur from the older wood; A, the wood bud at its point. DSS Se Ses = SS se Fie: 13) Fig. 13, mixed wood and fruit branches of the peach ; C, D, EZ, fruit buds; F, G, H, leaf buds; JF, double buds; C,triple buds, the two side buds being fruit buds, and the centre one a leaf bud. BRANCHES. ts Fig. 17 is a branch of the plum; A, the two-year-old wood; B, one year old; Cand J, spurs. Fig. 18 is a Fig. 14, a slender fruit branch of the peach; all the buds except 4 and B, and the terminal one, are fruit buds. fruit spur from older wood. The wood bud in the cen- tre of these groups of buds on the spur enables them to increase in length every season. New buds are produced to replace those that bear, and so the spurs continue fruit- ful for several years, ac- cording to the vigor of Fia. 16. Fie. 15. Fig. 15, branch of the cherry ; 24, two- year-old wood; B, one year; C and D, fruit spurs. Fig. 16, fruit spur of the cherry ; the bud .4, in the centre of the soup, is 3 wood bud. the tree, and the manner in which it is treated. 14 GENERAL PRINCIPLES. The fruit branches of the guince and the medlar are slender twigs on the sides of lateral branches, and the fruit is borne on their points. Szotion 4.—Bops. Ist. Lhe Nature and Functions of Buds.—In a prac- tical point of view, buds are certainly the most important organs of trees, be- cause it is through them we are en- abled completely to direct and control ee Fre. . their formas oS branch of the plum; .4, two-year-old their productiveness. wood ; B,one year old; C and D, spurs. Fig. i8, fruit spur of the plum on the old wood. ~ Whoever, therefore, wishes to become a skilful and successful tree culturist, must not fail to make himself familiar with all their forms, modifications, modes of development, and the purposes they are adapted to fulfil in the formation of the tree and its products. The immediate causes of the production of buds on the growing shoots of trees, and the sources from which they spring or in which they originate, are alike thus far mysterious, notwithstanding they have been the subject of a vast deal of research and speculation among botanists and vegetable physiologists for many ages. We are able, however, to trace clearly and satisfactorily the objects they are BUDS. iH intended to fulfil in the development of the tree, their connection with, and dependency upon other parts, and the circumstances under which they can be made to ac- complish specific purposes. Every bud contains the rudiments of, and is capable, under favorable circumstances, of producing a new indi- vidual similar to that on which it is borne. This fact is clearly demonstrated in the propagation of trees by budding, where a single eye is removed from one shoot and placed in the wood of another, to which it unites and forms a new individual similar to its parent. So in propagation by eyes, as in the grape vine, where a single bud with a small portion of wood attached, becomes » perfect plant. Every perfect bud we find on a young yearling tree or shoot is capable of being developed into a branch. Na- turally, they do not; but we know that by the application of art they can be readily forced to do so. For instance, the buds of a yearling tree, if left to take their natural course, will only in part produce branches, and these will generally be nearer to the extremities, where they are the most excitable, being in closer con- nection with the centre of vegetation: but we cause the lower ones to develope branches, by cutting off those above them to the extent that the particular character of the species or variety, or of the buds themselves in respect to vigor and vitality, may require. Hence it is that the forms of trees are so completely under our control-when we possess the requisite knowledge of the character and modes of vegetation of buds. 2d. Different Names and Characters of Buds.—Al\\ buds are either, Ist, terminal, as when on the points of shoots (C, fig. 19); 2d, aaedlary, when accompanied by a leaf situated in the angle made by the projection of the leaf from the shoot or branch (A B, fig. 19); 8d, adventi- 16 GENERAL PRINCIPLES. tious or accidental, when originating accidentally as it were, or without any regularity, on the older parts of trees, Fig, 19.—LaTEeRAL BRANCH. Fig. 19. 4, asuperior bud. B, inferior. C,terminal. 4 and B, axillary. and unaccompanied by a leaf. They are often produced by the breaking or cutting off a branch, or by a wound or incision made in the bark. In the management of trained trees special means are taken to produce these buds on spaces of the trunk that it is desirable to fill up. We sometimes see instances of such buds on the stumps of old trees. The terminal and axillary buds produced on young shoots, seem to have a different origin from these acci- dental buds—the former are connected with the pith of the shoot, as we may see by dissecting them. On cutting into a young shoot below a bud we find a cylinder of pith entering into the bud from the pith of the shoot, but we do not find this connection existing in the case of the adverititious buds. Practically considered, buds are classified as follows :— 1. Lateral—Those on the sides or circumference of shoots, being the aadllary buds of the botanist (A, B, 19). 2. Lerminalt.—tThose on the points of shoots (C, fig. 19). 3. Superior.—Those on the upper sides of horizontal branches (A, fig. 19). BUDS. Ui 4. Inferior—Those on the lower side of horizontal branches (JB, fig. 19). ' 5. Stipular.—The small, barely visible buds found at the base of ordinary buds. 6. Dormant or Latent—These are scarcely apparent buds, generally towards the base of branches: They may remain dormant for several years, and then, in some species, be excited into growth by pruning close to them. Buds are again classed as leaf buds and fruit buds. 7. Leaf Buds (Lf, G, H, fig. 18) produce either leaves or branches; they differ in form from fruit buds in being in most cases longer and more pointed in the same species. These are again designated as— Single, when only one is produced at the same point (ZZ, fig. 13). ‘ Double, when two are together (JZ, fig. 13). Triple, when in threes (Cand J, fig. 18). These double and triple buds are almost peculiar to the stone fruits, and especially the peach, apricot, and nectarine. The size, form, and prominence of leaf buds vary in a striking degree in different varieties of the same species, and these peculiarities are found to be of considerable service in identifying and describing sorts.. Thus, the buds of one variety will be long, pointed and compressed, or lying close to the shoot. Others will be large, oval and prominent, or standing boldly out from the shoot. Others will be small, full, and round. Thus, for instance, the wood buds of the Glout Morceau are short and conical, broad at the base, and taper suddenly to a very sharp point inclined towards the shoot; they have also very pro- minent shoulders, that is, their base forms a prominent projection on the shoot. The scales are also dark, with 18 GENERAL PRINCIPLES. light gray edges. In the Josephine de Maline pear the buds are quite remarkable for their roundness, bluntness and prominence. If shoots of the artlett and Seckel pears, two well known varieties, be compared, although they present no decidedly obvious peculiarities, yet they will be found very different. Those of the Seckel are much broader at the base, more pointed, and lighter colored, being a dark drab, whilst those of the Bartlett are reddish. These miscellaneous instances are chosen simply to draw attention to these points, and to show the ordinary modes of comparison. When we speak of leaf buds, we have reference only to the simple bud and not to the large, pointed, spur-like productions frequently pro- duced towards the middle or lower part of young shoots that have made a second growth, that is where growth has ceased for a while and the terminal bud has been formed, and afterwards, in the same season, commenced anew, and made a second growth. 8. Fruit Buds.—tIn the early stages of their formation and growth all buds are but leaf buds. Thus, on a young shoot of the cherry and the plum, for example, of one sea- son’s growth, the buds are all leaf buds. The next spring a part of these produce new shoots, and others are transformed into fruit buds that will bear fruit the follow- ing season. The transformation is accomplished during the second year of their existence, and it usually happens that they are the smallest and least fully developed that are so transformed: the more vigorous pushing into branches. In the peach, the apricot, &c., on which the fruit buds are produced in one year, the change from a leaf to a fruit bud occurs towards the latter part of the sea- son. The primary cause of the transformation of leaf into fruit buds is not satisfactorily known, although many theo- ries exist on the subject. Observation, however, has taught us many things in relation to it. It seems that all trees BUDS. 19 must acquire a certain maturity, either natural or forced, in order to produce blossoms or fruit. A tree that is fur- nished with a rich, humid soil, containing an abundance of watery nutriment, and left in all respects unrestrained in its upward growth, may attain the age of ten or fifteen years before it commences to form fruit buds; whilst in a soil of a different quality, dry and less favorable to rapid growth, or if constrained in its growth by being grafted on some particular stock, or by some particular mode of train- ing, it may produce fruit in two or three years. An apple tree on a common stock, planted out in ordi- nary orchard soil, does not usually bear until it is in most cases seven years old from the bud, often more ; whilst the same variety grafted or budded on a paradise apple stock will produce in two or three at most. We frequently see one branch of a tree that has been accidentally placed in a more horizontal position than the other parts, or that has been tightly compressed with a bandage or something of that sort, bear fruit abundantly ; whilst the erect, uncon- strained portion of the tree gives no sign of fruitfulness whatever. As a general thing, we find that where there is an abundant and constant supply of sap or nutriment furnished to the roots of trees and conveyed by them through the unrestrained channels which the large cells and porous character of young wood afford, the whole forces of the tree will be spent in the production of new shoots ; but that as trees grow old, the cells become small- er, and the tree being also more branched the free course of the sap is obstructed, and becomes in consequence bet- ter elaborated, or in other words more mature, and com mences the production of fruit. Circumstances similar in all respects to these and answering exactly the same pur- pose, can be produced by art at an early age of the tree; and this is one of the leading points in the culture and management of garden trees, where smallness of size and 90 GENERAL PRINCIPLES. early fruitfulness are so highly desirable. This will come under consideration in another place. Fruit buds in most cases are distinguishable from wood buds by their rounder and fuller form ; the scales that cover them are broader and less numerous, and in the spring they begin to swell and show signs of opening at an earlier pe riod. Like the wood buds they are single, double, or triple, according to the number found together. They are single in pears, apples, and other trees of that class. Stngle, double, and triple, variously, on the stone fruits, gooseber- ries, and currants. Fruit buds are also simple and compound. Simple, as in the peach, apricot, and almond, each bud of which pro- duces but, one flower. Com- pound, as in the plum, cherry, ap- ple, pear, &e., each, bud» of which produces two or more flow- ers. Those of the plum produce two or three, hence we find plums usually kre. 20. 5 : Fig. 20, flower of the cherry, showing the product of borne in pals 5 a compound bud. those of the cher- ry four or five (fig. 20), and of the apple and pear six to eight ; and hence we often find these fruits borne in clus- ters. They are also lateral or terminal, as they occupy the sides or ends of the branches or spurs on which they are produced. The ordinary position of the fruit buds of dif- ferent classes of trees will be understood from the preced- ing descriptions of fruit branches. LEAVES. 21 Section 5.—LEAvEs. Ist. Structure and Functions of Leaves.—The leaves of all hardy fruit trees cultivated in our climate are decidu- ous, that is—they decay and fall in the autumn and are succeeded by others on the return of spring. The oftices they perform during the growing season are of the high- est importance to the life and health of the tree, and deserve the most attentive consideration. A leaf (fig. 21) is composed of two prin- cipal parts, the leaf stalk or petiole (A), which connects it with the tree or branch on which it is borne, and the expanded part (4, B, D), called the blade. The dase is the ‘end (C) attached to the stalk, and the apex or point (DP) the opposite one. The length is the dis- tance from the base to the point (C to J), and the width, a tine cut- ting the length at rie} t angles, and extending from margin to margin Fig. 21. Fig. 21, a leaf of th A, th 1 ea: tg. 21, a leaf of the pear. . the petiole or 1 leaf stalk. 4, B, D, the blade. C, the base. The leaf stalk and D, the point. Line Al, B, the width. its branches, forming the nerves or veins of the blade, are composed of woody vessels in the form of 92 GENERAL PRINCIPLES. a tube, similar to the woody parts of the tree or branch that bears it, inside of which is a pith, similar to the pith of the tree; the leaf is thus connected with the pith and wood of the shoot, and consequently the ascending sap, as we may readily see, by making a vertical cut through the leaf stalk and shoot. The veins of the leaf are filled up with a cellular substance similar to the pith, called parenchyma, and the whole is covered with a thin skin (epidermis). This cellular substance is connected with the inner bark, and consequently the descending sap or cambium, that forms the new layers of wood. Both sur faces of the leaf are furnished with small pores, through which exhalation and absorption are carried on. Absorp- tion is performed principally by the pores of the under surface, and they are the largest; exhalation principally by those of the upper surface. This property of the leaves to receive and give out air and moisture through the pores on their surface, has caused them to be likened to the lungs of animals, and this comparison is to some extent correct; for we know that without leaves, or organs performing their offices, trees do not grow. And in proportion to their natural and healthy action, do we find the vigor and growth of the tree. To prove that leaves have the power, in a greater or less degree, to absorb fluids, we have but to apply water to the drooping foliage of a plant suffering from drought, and see how quickly it becomes refreshed. Dews of a single night, we know, too, will revive plants that the heat and drought of the previous day had prostrated; and even if we put a flagging plant in a damp atmosphere, it recovers. Even the leaves of a boquet can be kept fresh for a long time by sprinkling them with water. That plants echale moisture and gases cannot be doubt- ed. It is this very exhaling process that causes plants LEAVES. 2é to wilt under a hot sun or ina dry atmosphere. Plants that are transplanted with their foliage on, as annuals are in the spring or summer, will wilt and even die if ex posed to the air and sun; but if transplanted in a moist day, or covered, so that evaporation cannot take place, the plant does not appear to feel the removal. So with cuttings of many plants thus propagated; if placed in the earth with a certain amount of foliage on, and left uncovered, they will immediately die; but when we place a bell glass or a hand glass over them to prevent evapo- ration, they remain as fresh as though they had roots supplying them with moisture from the soil. It is on this account that transplanted trees so often die when the branches and shoots are not in proportion to the roots. Jn transplanting, a portion of the roots are destroyed, and all are more or less deranged, so that their functions are feebly performed for some time after planting. If all the branches and shoots are left on, they will, as usual, produce leaves, but the absorption at the roots being so much less than the exhalation of the leaves, the juices contained in the tree, previously laid up, soon become ex- hausted, the leaves droop and wither, and the whole fabric perishes. In budding, too, if the whole leaf were left attached, the evaporation would be so great as to kill the bud; hence we remove all but a portion of the stalk. A tree can neither mature its wood nor its fruit without the full and healthy exercise of the leaves. If in the grow- ing season, a tree is deprived of its* foliage by blight, insects, &c., we see that growth is entirely suspended for a time, until new leaves are developed; and if the leaves be removed from a tree bearing fruit, we see the fruit shrivel and dry up, or ripen prematurely and become worthless. These facts, and many others that might be cited, show the intimate connection existing between the leaves and the other organs of trees, and the influence 9A GENERAL PRINCIPLES. they have on their growth and productiveness. It is be- lieved that the opening of the leaf buds in spring induces the formation of new roots; this is doubtful, as new roots may be seen forming at times when there are no leaves on the tree and apparently no growth whatever going on in the buds. But if the roots are not roused into action by the leaves, it is well known they will not continue and grow long if leaves do not make their appearance. We observe in the case of trees the tops of which have been so much injured by drying and exposure that scarcely a sound bud is left to grow, in this case the roots, although in perfect order, remain nearly dormant until new shoots and leaves are produced, and in proportion as the leaves in- crease so do the roots. The fact of the absorption and exhalation by leaves of certain fiuids, has, to a very con- siderable extent, established the theory that the sap of trees is taken up from the roots through the cells or sap vessels of the wood of the trunk and branches in a erude state, and passes into the leaves; that in their tissue spread out under the sun’s rays, it receives certain modifications. Carbonic acid, which has been taken in a state of solution from the soil and by the leaves from the atmosphere, is decomposed, its oxygen is given off into the air, carbon becomes fixed, and thus the component parts of the tree, starch, sugar, gum, &c., are formed. After passing through this purifying or concentrating process, the sap acquires a more solid consistence, and is called cambium ; so prepared it returns downwards through the nerves or vessels of the leaf to the base of the leaf stalk, and then between the wood and bark of the stem, forming new layers on its passage. Such is, at present, the most popu lar theory of the functions of the leaves and the ascent, assimilation, and descent of the sap. Some distinguished writers on the subject reject this theory, alleging that— “there is no*such thing as crude sap, that as soon as it LEAVES. 95 enters the roots it becomes assimilated and fit for the pro- duction of new cells, and that it passes upwards, forming new wood or cells by achemical process.”* Observation, however, has clearly established that in the leaves of healthy trees chemical processes depending on light and heat, and absolutely essential to the well-being of the tree, are continually going on, for trees shut out from the light always make a feeble growth and havea blanched and sickly hue, compared with the same species in the free air and exposed to the rays of the sun. If one side or portion of a ‘tree is shaded or deprived of its full share of light, it ceases to grow in its natural way, and the shoots are lean, slender, aad imperfect. 2d. Different For ms and Characters of Leaves. —The different sizes and forms of the leaves of fruit trees, the divisions of their edges, the absence or presence of ae the smoothness or roughness of their surfaces, are all more or less serviceable in describing and identifying varieties. The terms designating forms are seldom mathema- tically correct, but merely made by comparison, for in- atance— Oval (fig. 22), when about twice as long as broad, and nearly of equal width at both ends. Oblong (fig. 23), three times or more, as long as broad, and differing but little in width in any part. Lance Shaped (fig. 24), lanceolate, when three or more times as long as broad, and tapering gradually to a sharp point. Ovate (fig. 25), when twice as long as broad, tapering to the apex, and widest towards the base. Obovate (fig. 26), the inverse of ovate, the greatest dia- meter being in the upper part. * Schleiden’s Principles of Botany 2 > 26 GENERAL PRINCIPLES. Round, roundish, as they approach a circular form like fig. 21. The point is often a distinguishing feature, some terminating suddenly in a sharp point, others drawn out to a long, sharp point, peaked, whilst others are nearly round. They differ much, too, in the form of the base, some are rounded, some sharp, and some heart-shaped. iN aaa | rs PS Peg | { 22. | | Figs. 22 to 26, forms of leaves. 22, oval. 23, oblong. 24, lanceolate, 25, ovate: 26, obovate. The divisions of the edges are serrated or toothed, when the edges are cut into sharp teeth, directed towards the point of the leaf; jinely (fig. 27) or coarsely (fig. 28) ser- rate, as these teeth are fine or coarse; doubly serrate, when the principal division or tooth is subdivided. Crenate (fig. 29), when the divisions are rounded, instead of being sharp like teeth. LEAVES. 27 Lobed, when deeply cut, and the penetrating angle large, as in the currant, gooseberry, grape, «&c. (Fig. 30). Fig. 27, a leaf, folded, reflexed, and finely serrated or toothed. Fig. 28, coarsely serrated. Fig. 29, crenate. Flat, when the sur- face is even (fig. 21). Folded, when the edges are turn- ° ed inward (fig. 27). Reflexed, when the apex or point turns _back- © wards, giving the leaf more or less the form of a ring (27). Fra. 30. Waved, wrinkled, Fig. 30, a leaf of the currant, lobed. smooth, rough, 28 GENERAL PRINCIPLES. etc., are all terms used, but well enough under- stood. The leaf stalk has often striking peculiarities in certain varieties, such as unusually long, stout, short, or slender. There are also glands on the leaf-stalk, close to the base, and in certain cases on the leaf itself, that are chiefly taken notice of in identifying varieties of the peach and necta- rine; these differ in shape too, being globw- . 4 JY lar (as in fig. 81), reni- 4 form or kidney-shaped (fig. 32); these little AQ|/ & glands are supposed to be, and no doubt are, or- ina, 3k. gans of secretion. Fia. 32. Fig.31,aleaf of the Lhese are all interest- Fig. 32, the same; ei with globular ing items in the study of Wainer Se the beautiful and almost endless variety of forms which the different classes of fruit trees, and even different varieties of the same class, exhibit in their foliage. Section 6.—FLowErs. Ist. Different Parts of Flowers.——Flowers are the principal reproductive organs of trees, and consist of floral envelopes, the calyw and corolla ; and of sexual organs, stamens and pistils. The Calyx (A, fig. 35) is the outer covering, and is usually green like the leaves. The corolla (A, fig. 88) is within the calyx, and is the colored, showy part of the flower ; its divisions are called petals. Stamens (fig. 34) are the male organs of plants. They are delicate, thread-like productions (A, fig. 34) in the cen- tre of the flower, supporting on their extremities the anthers FLOWERS. 99 (B, fig. 34). The pastil (C, D, fig. 35) is the female organ and stands in the centre of the stamens. It consists of the ovary at its base (B, fig. 35), which con- tains the seeds. The style (C, fig. 35) is the erect por- tion, and the stigma (D, fig. 35) is the small Figs. 33 to 35—Different parts of a flower. Fig. 33, A, the glandulous petals. 34,astamen, .4, filament or stalk. B, anther. C, pollen. 35, the calyx, ovary, pistil united. B, ovary. C, style. D, stigma. body on its summit that receives the fertilizing powder (pollen) (C, fig. 34) from the anthers. Flowers may be deficient in any of these organs except the ovary, anthers, and stigma. These are indispensable to fructification, and must be present in some form or other or the flowers will be barren. 2d. Sexual Distinctions —The fact that the two sexes or sexual organs, the stamens and pistils, are in certain species united on the same flower, and in others on dif ferent flowers, and even on different trees, has created the necessity for the following distinctions : Trees or plants are called hermaphrodite (as in fig. 33) when both stamens and pistils are present on the same flower. Nearly all our cultivated fruits are of this class. Monecious, when the male and female flowers are borne on the same tree, as in the filbert flower (fig. 36, A, the male, and B, the female flowers). Dzectous, wnen the male flowers (fig. 37) are on one plant, and the female 30 GENERAL PRINCIPLES. (fig.38) on another. The most familiar instance among plants cultivated for their fruits, is the strawberry. In many varieties we find the stamens or male organs so in- completely devel- oped (fig. 38) that they are of no ser- vice in fructifying the flowers, and J, leo hence we plant near _ the strawberry. them varieties with an abundance of these organs strongly exhibited. Hic. Bic 3d. Impregnation.— Fig. 26, flower of the i. 0€ ‘process of im- bert. pregnation is effected y in this way: When the flowers first open, io oe the pollen granules or powder in the anthers, —_Fvg- 38, female ° ° or pistillate flow is covered over by a delicate membrane. gy. Tn a short time this membrane bursts in a manner similar to an explosion that scatters the pollen by its force, so that it reaches the stigma of the pistil; this is composed of glutinous or sticky secretions to which the pollen adheres ; there it forms new cells that expand into tubes; these tubes penetrate through the style of the pistil to the ovary, where the impregnation takes place, and new cells are immediately formed into an embryo plant. This impregnation is sometimes, from certain causes, only partially effected in the cases of fruit where the ova- ry or seed vessel is composed of several cells, as in the apple, pear, &c., and hence the fruit takes an imperfect, one-sided development from the beginning. The difficulty that appears to arise in the way of the impregnation of the stigma of one flower by the pollen of Fie. 36. FLOWERS. 81 another, distantly situated, either on the same plant as in moncecious trees, or on a different plant as in dicecious, is wonderfully obviated by the provision that nature has made for its transmission, not only by the atmosphere, but by insects, that pass from one flower to another feed- ing on their honied secretions; the pollen adheres to them and they carry it from one to another. All natural flowers of the same species present the same number of petals in their flowers, but occasionally the stamens are converted into petals, and thus what are called double flowers are produced. Among fruit trees we have double flowering apples, plums, peaches, and cherries. These seldom produce fruit; when perfectly double never. All our double flowers, roses, paeonies, dahlias, &c., have been obtained by this transformation of the stamens into petals. It is supposed to be caused by an excessively high cultivation given to the plants that produce the seeds from which these double varieties spring. 4. Period of Blossoming.—In treating of fruit buds allusion has been made to the causes which, according to observation and experience, promote fruitfulness. These are chiefly a slow or moderate growth, and a branching or spreading, constrained form, instead of an upright one. Some species of trees bloom at a much earlier age than others. Thus the peach, the apricot, and the cherry will bloom in nearly one-fourth less time from the bud, all things being equal, than the pear. Some species bloom at an earlier period of the season than others ; the apricot and the peach bloom very early, and this is the chief rea- son why the crop is so often destroyed in localities subject to late spring frosts. Among fruits even of the same spe- cies there is much difference in the period of blooming: one variety of apple being nearly two weeks later than another. ‘This, in some sections, is an important quality, where every day the blossom is retarded renders the crop 32 GENERAL PRINCIPLES. surer, being more likely to escape frost. These differences are caused by various circumstances. Ist. Zhe Cliomate.—The period of blossoming of the same species varies much in different localities. Rochester is at least a week earlier than Buffalo, although the distance is less than one hundred miles; and it is nearly two weeks earlier than Toronto, which is still nearer. The large bodies of ice in the lakes, at both Buffalo and Toron- to, have no doubt a considerable effect in retarding the blossoming period. | 2d. Lhe Season and Position—In the same locality, one season is frequently a week earlier than others, and trees on the south side of a wall or building will expand their blossoms several days before the same variety in the open ground only a few rods distant, and ten days to a fortnight before those on a north wall. | 3d. Zhe Soil—On warm and light soils, the roots of trees are excited into activity much sooner than in cold, damp, and heavy soils, and the blossoming period is ear- lier in consequence. The Different Character of Llowers.—F¥ lowers vary in size, form, color, and other qualities, even in the same spe- cies. In the peach those distinctions are so obvious, that one of the principal classifications of pomologists is found- ed on them. Thus there are varieties with large, showy jlowers (fig. 39), as the serrate early York, and small (fig. 40) as large early York, Craw- ford Early, etc. The color also presents variations, some poo being deep, others pale rose, Eee Meee and some almost white ; two Fig. 39, large flower of the peach. or three varieties of the Fig. 40, small flower of the peach. peach I wholly white, as the snow, for instance. In all the other fruits, FLOWERS. ° Go as in apples, pears, plums, cherries, &c., the flowers vary _ but slightly in form and color, and the differences are only taken note of in very full and minute scientific descrip- tions. A few cases, however, are well marked, as the Jargonelle pear, the flowers of which are nearly twice as large as most others. In connection with the flowers it may be proper to ex plain the important process of Hybridization —This is performed by fertilizing the pistil of one species or variety with pollen from the stamens of another. The seeds produced by the flower so impregnated will produce a cross or hybrid between the two parents. This process is now well understood, and is carried on to a wonderful extent, especially in the pro- duction of new flowers. Comparatively few of our popu- lar fruits have been produced in this way. , a weak Shuagah nT ? , oe Ru pieaiets lS UA bleh hae wahinSa sn | ae BERT ‘at eeriye “sed 4 . »? 2 Ith We ‘ Las rks a fiimien Bed iin sweaty Ula . = ed ie Lt : ‘ ee . 7 , 4 . { ; 4 4 ’ a ’ > * a . ps a - " av ‘ P tee . ! 7 y FA? oli: THE NURSERY. PH E- NO hes Bo, Y —— CHAP LER, iD. Section 1.—Sorm, Srirvation, Ero. Ir is not a part of the design of this treatise to give anything like a full exposition of nursery operations ; for this would, in itself, be a subject sufficiently extensive to form a volume; but as all fruit growers should possess at least some knowledge of nursery management, it seems quite necessary that the more important points should be noticed. Ist. The Soil, as to Dryness —F¥or a fruit tree nursery the soil must be perfectly dry, both above and below. In damp, springy soils, or where the subsoil is so compact as not to admit of the surface water passing off immediately, trees do not thrive, the roots are destitute of fibres, the wood is watery and delicate, and where frosts are severe the trees are cast out of the ground by the expansion of the water with which the soil is filled. We have known of a single instance in which several thousand dollars were lost by planting a pear nursery on a soil imperfectly drained. The plants grew finely the first season, were budded, the buds had taken, and in the autumn all looked prosperous; but the autumn rains filled the soil with water, the situation was low and level, and the subsoil compact, so that the water could not possibly get away. The consequence was, the roots decayed, the plants were cast out of the ground, and the injury was so great and 5* 106 THE NURSERY. so general that the whole plantation had to be taken up. This ground was then thoroughly drained, and is now as good a pear soil as can be found—a stock of beautiful trees standing on it at the present time. ‘This single in- stance illustrates the importance of a dry soil, as well as twenty would. We frequently find that in the same row of trees, if there happens to be a low, damp spot, the trees in it have no fibrous roots, and are altogether inferior to those on the adjacent dry ground. 2d. Depth—As a general thing, the soil of a nursery should be a foot to eighteen inches deep; but all trees do not require the same depth. Those (such as the pear) whose roots descend more than they spread, require the deepest soil. The best quality of nursery trees are grown on common farming land, twice ploughed with the com- mon and subsoil ploughs, one following the other, as de- scribed in the chapter on soils. This gives depth enough for all ordinary purposes. 3d. Teaxture—aA. soil of medium texture between the heavy and the light, is, on the whole, the most advan- tageous, as being the best adapted to general purposes. A good friable loam, with a gravelly subsoil, or a mixture of sand, gravel, and clay, that will allow water to pass off freely, and yet not too fast, will be found suitable for almost any species; and one great advantage of such a soil is, that it admits of rotation in crops. th. Quality—For the growth of young fruit trees, a soil should be in such a condition as to furnish a sufficient sup- ply of nutriment to ensure a vigorous and robust growth ; but it may be too rich, and produce rank wood that a not mature properly, and be unable to withstand the change of climate or soil consequent upon transplanting. Where manures are used, they should be well decom- posed; fresh warm manures excite trees into a very rapid growth, but the wood is watery and feeble. A dry soil of SOIL. 107 moderate richness produces hardy trees, their wood is firm, the buds plump and close together, and the parts well pro- portioned. 5. Laying out.—Where the nursery is of considerable extent, the ground should be laid out and arranged in square or rectangular plots of convenient size, and be intersected with walks. One portion should be set apart for the propagation of stocks from layers, another for cut- tings, another for seeds, &c. In setting apart ground for the different kinds of trees, if there be a choice, the pear should have the deepest and best, the plum the most com- pact or clayey, the peach, apricot, cherry, &c., the lightest and dryest. 6. Hxposure—Nursery ground for fruit trees should be well elevated, but not fully exposed to the prevailing high winds, as the young trees are apt to be broken off during the first year’s growth if not kept well tied up to stakes. In our section we find it very advantageous to have some protection from the west winds especially, though we sometimes have a south wind quite destructive in exposed places to the young buds. Situations where snow is liable to drift into, should be avoided, in sections where heavy snow storms prevail, for sometimes vast quantities of trees are broken down in corners of fences and sheltered situa- tions where the snow accumulates in heavy drifts. 7. Rotation or Succession of Crops —This is quite as important in the management of the nursery as of the farm. Not more than one crop of one species should be planted on the same ground; and those of the most opposite character should follow one another. Where one species is grown on the same ground for eight or ten years, it is found by experience that even the most liberal manuring fails to produce such fine, sound, healthy, and vigorous trees as new ground without manure. Where land is scarce, and it is necessary to use the same ground for the 108 THE NURSERY. same kind of trees, it should at least be allowed one season’s rest, and be well supplied with such material as the trees to be grown in it require in the largest quantities, or in which the soil is found to be most deficient. Srcrion 2.—DeEscrIPTION AND PROPAGATION OF STOCKs. This branch of the subject is of such importance, and involves so many considerations, that it seems to be more methodical to treat it separate from subsequent operations. Ist. Stocks for the Apple—trThe principal stocks in use for the apple are the common seedling, or free stock, the’ Doucain, and the Paradise. Seedlings, or free stocks, are ordinarily produced from seeds taken promiscuously from the cider mill in the autumn. Preparing the Seed—The cakes of pressed pomace are broken up, and the coarser materials, straw, &c., sepa- rated from it by means of a coarse sieve, the sifted pomace is then put into large tubs, and subjected to repeated washings until clean. The clean plump seed falls to the bottom, and the pomace and light poor seed are carried off in the washings. When fruits have been selected for the seeds, they are placed in heaps until fermentation and _ decay have reduced the flesh to a soft pulpy state, when they are washed in tubs, in the same manner as pomace. Saving the Seed—When the seed is washed out as above, it must be spread thinly on boards, and repeatedly turned over until: perfectly dry, when it is put away in boxes, mixed with sand, containing a slight degree of moisture. The boxes should be well secured against ver- min, and be kept in a dry, cool place, till the time of planting. Season and Mode of Planting—TIf the ground be in readiness, and perfectly dry and friable, the best time is PROPAGATION OF STOCKS. 109 the fall, as soon as the seeds are cleaned. At this season the pomace, seeds and all, as it comes from the press, may be planted without any washing. It should be broken up fine, so that it may be evenly distributed in the seed bed. The difficulty of doing this, is a serious objection to this mode. By taking some pains in the sowing, we raise as good stocks in this as in any other way; the decayed pulp contributes considerable nutriment to the young plants in their earliest stage of growth. When deferred till spring, it should be done at the earliest moment that the condition of the ground will ad- mit. When the ground is ready, a line is stretched along one side of the plot, and a drill opened with a hoe about eight or ten inches wide and three deep; the seeds are then dropped, and the fine earth drawn over them with the hoe as regular as possible, covering them about three inches deep. If some leaf mould from the woods or old decomposed manure in a fit state for spreading could be had, and a covering of an inch deep of it spread on the top of the drills, it would prevent the surface from baking or cracking, and allow the plants to come up with greater strength and regularity. Whatever depth of such a cover- ing be used, should be deducted from the covering of common earth. Distance to Plant—When large quantities are raised, the drills should be three feet apart to admit of the culti- vator passing between them; for the ground should be kept pertectly clean and mellow around seedlings the whole season. After Management.—lIt is of great importance that they be not in any way stunted, either in first coming through the soil by a hard surface, or afterwards by weeds and lack of culture; seedlings stunted during the early stages of their growth never make vigorous, healthy stocks, and indeed should never be planted. When they appear 110 THE NURSERY. 4 above the surface and are too close together, they should as soon as possible be thinned out to regular distances; for when grown up in dense masses, they are generally feeble and worthless. One hundred good vigorous stocks are worth five hundred poor ones. It is very common to see seedlings of one year larger than those of two years, under different management, and in such a case the year- lings are worth twice as much as the others. A very good plan is to thin out all the weakest plants when about four or five inches high, leaving those only of vigorous habit and large foliage. The Doucain is a distinct species of apple; the tree is of medium size, bears small sweet fruit, and reproduces itself from seed. It is used for stocks for apple trees of medium size, pyramids, or dwarf standards for gardens. It is propagated almost exclusively from layers; see fig. 63. The plants to be propagated from are planted in a rich deep friable soil, and cut back to within four to six inches of the collar; the buds, or the part below the cut, will, during the next season, produce strong shoots; the following spring the earth is drawn up around each plant in the form of a mound, so that the whole of the stem and the base of all the shoots will be covered at least three inches deep; during that season all the shoots will pro- duce roots, and should be separated from the mother plant or stool, as such plants are termed, in the fall. If left on till spring the frost would be likely to injure them. The stools are then dressed, the soil around them is spaded up and enriched with well decayed manure, and the follow- ing season another crop of shoots is produced, much more numerous than the first, to be treated in the same way. Every year these stool plants increase in size and in the quantity of their productions, if well treated. Another course, but not so good, is frequently pursued when stocks are scarce. The shoots are layered, by bend- PROPAGATION OF STOCKS. 111 ing down as described in layering, the first season of their sieeerits in July, and may be eutieicatle rooted in the fall to be transferred to nursery rows in the spring following; a year is thus saved, but the stocks are, of course, much inferior. If earthed up in midsummer, they will be par- tially rooted in the autumn too, but not so well as if bent down, for the bending has a tendency to stop the sap at the point fastened to the ground, and hastens the forma- tion of roots. The Paradise——tThis also is a distinct species of apple. The tree is of very small size, never attaining over three to four feet in height. It is used for stocks for dwarf trees or bushes that occupy but a small space in the gar- den. It is propagated in precisely the same manner as that described for the Doucain. 2d. Stocks for the Pear—The pear seedling and the quince are the only two stocks on which the pear can be advantageously worked to any considerable extent. The mountain ash and the thorn are occasionally used for special purposes only. Pear Seedlings—TVhe seeds are aiaiebe by collecting such fruits as can be had, containing perfect seeds. Great care should be taken to gather the fruits of hardy, healthy, vigorous trees only, and the seeds should be full and plump. The seeds are separated and washed, as de- scribed for apples. They are also saved and planted in a manner similar in all respects; but in this country it is a much more difficult matter to succeed with pear seedlings than with the apple. This difficulty is owing chiefly to a species of rust or blight that attacks the leaves of the young ag very étcen before they have completed their first season’s growth. To obviate the difficulty which this malady presents, a vigorous growth should be obtained early in the season. New soil, or that in which trees have not been grown in before, should be selected. The 112 THE NURSERY. autumn before planting, it should be trenched or subsoil ploughed to the depth of two feet, for the pear has long tap roots, and liberally enriched with a compost of stable manure, leaf mould or muck, and wood ashes, in about equal parts: four inches deep of this spread over the sur- face before ploughing, will be sufficient for any ordinary soil. Lime should also be given liberally, unless the soil be naturally and strongly calcareous. A soil prepared thus in the fall, will require another ploughing or spading in the spring, to mix all the materials properly with the soil, and fit it for the seeds. Where large quantities are grown, the drills may be the same distance apart as that recommended for apples, three feet; but if only a few, twelve to eighteen inches will be sufficient, as the clean- ing can be done with the hoe. The seeds should be scat- tered thinly, that every plant may have sufficient space without any thinning. From time to time we find re- gular recipes given for raising pear seedlings, with the same precision that pudding recipes are given in the cook books. Bone dust, blacksmiths’ cinders, muck, lume, wood ashes, and half a dozen other things, are recom- mended to be compounded in pecks and half pecks, all with a view to remedy the rust or leaf blight that no man can say originates in any defect of the soil. The cause may be in the atmosphere, or it may be an insect, or it may be something else, for aught anybody yet knows to the contrary. The end to aim at, as before re- marked, is to get good growth, say eighteen to twenty inches in height, and stout in proportion, before the first of August. This can be done in any deeply-trenched, — fresh soil, well prepared and manured as described above. During the past season, a lot of very fine seedling pears were raised in fresh, new soil, in Ontario county; their foliage was quite fresh when the frosts came, and they had received no special manuring either. Pear seedlings PROPAGATION OF STOCKS. 113 should always be taken up in the fall, after the first season’s growth, the largest selected for transplanting into the nursery, and the smaller to be put into beds, to remain another season. Quince Stocks are propagated with considerable success by cuttings. These should be strong shoots, six inches to a foot long, taken off close to the old wood, and, if pos- sible, with a small portion attached, prepared as directed in article on cuttings, early in the winter, and kept in pits two or three feet below the surface of the soil, in a dry place, till planting time in spring. They should be planted in a light, friable, deep soil, in rows eighteen inches to two feet apart, four to six inches apart in the row, and so deep that but a couple of buds remain above the surface. The ground should be kept clean and mel- low amongst them all summer, and if the cuttings were stout and long, they will in the autumn be fit for taking up and preparing for planting into nursery rows the fol- lowing spring. The best and surest method of propagat- ing the quince stock, however, is by layers, as the best variety for that purpose does not strike so freely from cut- tings as the common sorts. The manner of layering is that recommended for the Doucain and paradise, by earthing up. The stool plants should be set out in a fine, rich, deep border of warm, friable soil, and be about six feet apart, when designed to be permanent. As each stool, by the system recommended, can only yield a crop of plants every two years, there should be two sets, so that an annual supply may be obtained. By the ordinary system of bending down the shoots, and slitting, or even without the slitting, a crop may be obtained every year, that is, the shoots of the current sea- son’s growth may be layered in July or August, but no such stockscan be obtained as by the earthing up and 114 THE NURSERY. taking a crop every two years. This is the system recom- mended to those who want first rate quince stocks. The very general lack of information in this country on the subject of quince stocks for pears has given rise to a great many misapprehensions and erroneous statements in regard to them, both by horticultural writers and others. At first it was said that the stock used by the French and imported by nurserymen here were the Portugal. Again, it was discovered they were nothing more than the com- mon apple quince ; consequently a multitude of the apple quinces have been worked, and sent out as “ dwarf pears.” The slow and feeble growth of this variety unfits it entirely for a stock for the pear, and only a very few varieties will form a union with it that will last over three or four years. Such trees cannot fail to give general dissatisfaction, and among people who know no better, create a prejudice against quince stocks in gereral. Indeed this is the cause why so much has been said about the pears on quince being so short-lived. _ The truth is, that the varieties used in France are nei- ther the Apple nor the Portugal Quince, but vigorous hybrids that have been criginated there, and found to answer this purpose particularly well. The great requisite of a quince stock for the pear is a-free,vzgorous and rapid growth. A variety originated at the town of Angers in France, and extensively used, propagated and sold there, as the Angers Quince, is probably the best yet known for a pear stock generally. It is a very rapid, vigorous grower, making strong shoots three feet long inoneseason. It has large foliage resembling the Portugal. In some parts of France, as in Normandy, it is known as the broad-leaved. There is another variety with smaller leaves, but of free, vigorous growth too, almost exclusively cultivated in some districts. Several extensive nurserymen at Orleans, Paris, and elsewhere, consider it superior to the broad-leaved, PROPAGATION OF STOCKS. 115 and especially for very vigorous growing sorts. It is known as the small-leaved. We have tried both extensively, and find but very little difference thus far in the results obtained. We are now engaged in experiments testing the fitness of another variety quite distinct in its character, habits of growth, &c., from all the others. It is remarkably erect, with a bushy, branching head, and roots composed almost entirely of fine fibres. Every cutting grows when other sorts area complete failure; and a cutting made of a stout shoot set in the ground in April may be budded in September. The largest plants we have are but three years old; and judg- ing from these, it will not attain so large a size as the Angers, but the pear seems to unite well with it, and we believe it will make an excellent stock, for free growing kinds particularly. It is yet too soon, however, to decide upon its merits in any respect, except that of being easily propagated. The Mountain Ash, it is said, makes a good stock for certain varieties in very light, sandy soils, when neither the pear nor quince succeeds well. It is propagated from seed, and requires to be two years old before being worked. The Thorn.—Seedlings of our vigorous native thorns make good stocks when about three years old; the seeds require to be in the rot heap one year before sowing. ‘The only cases in which it can be recommended, are those in which a soil may be so wet and cold as to be unfit for the pear or quince; but itis better to improve such soils by draining, subsoil ploughing, and by the addition of suitable composts, for even the thorn will fail in giving satisfac- tion on a stiff, cold soil. 3d. Stocks for the Cherry. _The principal stocks used for the cherry are the mazzard for standard orchard trees, and the mahaleb for garden pyramids and dwarfs. Mazzard Seedlings—The mazzard cherry is a lofty, 116 THE NURSERY. rapid-growing, pyramidal-headed tree. Its fruit is small, dark brown, or black, with a sprightly flavor and slight bitterness. It is the original type of all the heart varie- ties. Preparing and saving the Seeds—tThe fruit is allowed to remain on the tree until thoroughly ripe. It is then shaken or picked off, and put into tubs, where the pulp is washed off until the stones are perfectly clean. They are then spread out on boards, and turned over occasion- ally until dry, when they are put away in boxes, mixed with sand very slightly moist. A layer of sand is spread in the bottom of the box, then a thin layer of the stones, next a layer of sand, and so on till the box is full. The boxes are secured against vermin, and put away in a cool, dry place, until needed for planting. If not planted in the fall, they may be wintered in a cellar, or out of doors, protected from rain by boards or other covering. When to Plant.—If circumstances were favorable, all seeds would be better planted in the fall, or immediately after their maturity. Nature, in her course, indicates this to be a general law; but in cultivation this must depend on circumstances. The ground may not be in readiness. It may be so wet and heavy, that seeds would be so satu- rated with moisture during the winter as to lose their vitality; or the ground might become so beaten down and compact with fall, winter, and early spring rains, as to make it almost impossible for the young plants to make their way through it. All these things are to be con- sidered in deciding the proper time to sow seeds. If the soil be very light and porous, cherry seeds may be sown as soon as gathered; if the contrary, it should be deferred till spring: but they germinate early and at a low temperature, so that it is necessary to keep them pretty dry and cool, and get them into the ground at the earliest practicable moment. We find it quite difficult to PROPAGATION OF STOCKS. Biz keep them properly, and yet prevent them from germinat- ing before the ground is dry enough to receive them. How to Plant.—¥ or cherry seeds the ground should be light, in a good fertile state, but not strongly manured. The seeds are sown in drills as recommended for apple and pear seeds, and so thin as to give each plant space to grow in without being crowded by others. In this way, and with clean summer culture, the stocks will all be large enough at the end of the first season’s growth, to be taken up and prepared for planting in nursery rows the following spring. The Jlahaleb (Cerasus mahaleb) is a small tree with glossy, deep green foliage. The fruit is black, about the size of a marrow-fat pea, and quite bitter. It blossoms and bears fruit when about three years old. It is considerably cultivated in many parts of Europe, as an ornamental lawn tree. There are very few bearing trees in this country yet; consequently nearly all the stocks used are imported, or grown from imported seeds. The seeds are prepared, saved, sown, and managed in all respects similar to the mazzards, and are fit for trans- ferring to the nursery rows at the end of the first season’s growth. The common red pie cherry and the small morello make very good stocks for dwarf trees of the duke and morello classes; but the hearts and Bigarreaus do not take on them. These are raised from seed in the same way as the mazzards and mahalebs. It may be added, however, as a warning, that buds are more liable to fail on them than on the mahaleb. Ath. Stocks for the Peach—As a general thing the peach is worked on its own stocks in this country. The stones should be placed in a state of stratification during the winter, placed in boxes with alternate layers of sand or light earth, and be kept fm a situation exposed to the 118 THE NURSERY. frost; unless this is done they will not germinate the fol- lowing spring; they require more moisture and exposure to open their hard shells, and induce germination, than any other fruit seeds. They should be examined a week or two before planting time, and if they exhibit no signs of ve- getation more moisture should be given them; if they have been kept dry for a month or two before being stratified, they may require to be cracked. This is done by placing the edge of the stone on a wooden block and striking with a mallet; when cracked they may be mixed with moist earth and germinated in a warm place. The growth of every one so germinated can be depended on, and the rows will be regular. As the seeds are planted where the trees remain until transferred to the garden or orchard, it is a very good plan to nip off the point of the young root protruded from the seed; this makes it ramify, so that when taken up the trees have fine branched and fibrous roots instead of long tap roots, as is very generally the case. Planting.—The seeds should be put into the ground as soon in the spring as it is in a fit state to be worked. A line is stretched, and holes made with a dibble to receive the seed; it should be put in with the root downwards, and be covered not over one fourth of an inch deep. Plum Stocks are used for the peach in soils of a stiff, » adhesive character, in which the peach does not succeed. In England the peach is worked almost exclusively on the plum, as it suits their moist climate and soil better. In France the hard shell almond is used almost exclusively on dry, and the plum on damp soils. Almond stocks are raised in the same way as the peach. Dwarf Peach Trees are produced by working on the same stocks reconimended for dwarfing the plum. Some time ago a French journal gave a very interesting account of experiments made in dwarfing the peach and plum, by PROPAGATION OF STOCKS. 119 a Dr. Bretonneau of Tours, France. He had succeeded in producing very pretty dwarf plums and peach trees on a dwarf plum indigenous to this country (Prunus pumila.) He exhibited beautiful prolific dwarf trees of the green gage plum on the sloe, and was making farther experi- ments with the dwarf almond as a stock for peaches. These subjects are all worthy of attention; we have many experiments of this kind under way, but it is yet too soon to communicate the results. The art of growing a large collection of fruits on a small spot of ground is of great. importance to curious and tasteful people living in towns and villages. Stocks for the Apricot and Nectarine—Kvery thing that has been said of peach stocks, applies with equal force and propriety to these two trees. 5. Stocks for the Plum.—It is not a little difficult in this country to get good plum stocks. If seeds be taken promiscuously from any variety that is to be had, as is done with most other trees, the probability is, that of the seedlings not one in 500 will be suitable fora stock. I have seen bushels of seeds planted that were said to have been collected from strong growing trees, but out of the tens of thousands of seedlings produced from them, not 100 were ever worked, or fit to be. It is not only neces- sary to obtain seeds from vigorous growing trees, but from a species or variety that reproduces itself from seed. This is the point. The Horse Plum, an oval, purple, free-stone sort, with vigorous downy shoots, reproduces itself from seed, and makes good stocks. On a suitable, well-prepared soil, its seedlings often attain two feet or more in height in one season, and are then fit for the nursery rows. They require a rich, substantial soit, prepared as recommended for pear seeds. Other vigorous sorts have been recommended in various parts of the country, but on trial they have been 120 THE NURSERY. found quite inferior to the horse plum, and as a general thing worthless. The Canada or Wild Plum, which abounds in Ohio, Michigan, and other western States, are distinct species, and reproduce themselves from seed. The seedlings of some grow extremely rapid, making fine stocks in’ one year on any good soil. They continue in a thrifty, growing state until late in the autumn 3; - but they should not be worked above the ground inthe usual way, as their growth does not keep pace with the species to which most of our cultivated sorts belong. The best way to manage them is to take the yearling seedlings, whip-graft them on the collar, and set them out at once in the nursery rows ; they will make good trees for planting out in three years. The stock is all below the surface of the ground, and in time the graft sends out roots and becomes in a great mea- sure independent of the stock. Where the seedlings are not large enough for grafting the first season, they may be set out in the nursery and allowed to grow one season, and then the earth can be removed from the collar until the gratt be inserted, and then drawn up. To procure strong stocks for standard trees of weak growing sorts, like the Green Gage, such thrifty varieties as the Zmperial Gage and Smith’s Orleans may be grafted on this native species, and in two or three years they will make stocks strong enough for any purpose. The French use several natural species that are produced from seed—the St. Julien, large and small (Brussels of the English), and the Damas noir, large and small. The first is generally used for stocks for apricots and peaches as well as plums. We find none of these superior in vigor to the horse plum, but they are worked more successfully. In England, the Brussels, Brompton, and Muscle stocks are “used, propagated from both seeds and layers. For small sized garden trees, either dwarf standards or pyramids, the cherry plum ¢ PROPAGATION OF STOCKS. 13¢ makes a very good stock. Itis probably the same as used by the French under the names of “ Cericette” and “ Myro- balan.” Several of our authors and even some English writers say that the A/irabelle is the stock used for dwart- ing the plum, peach and apricot, but it seems probable that they are mistaken. In France the cericette or cherry plum is used, and stocks sent us from England as Mira- belle, are but the cherry. How the mistake could be made is difficult to say, for the two trees are as different in habit, foliage, wood and fruit, as they can be. The cherry plum is a very low tree with bushy, erect branches, very straight, slender, willow- like, reddish shoots, exceedingly small leaves and buds, and smooth bark. The J/trabelle is also a low tree, but much more spreading than the other; the shoots are stouter, of a gray color and downy, with rather prominent buds for so small shoots. It ripens in September, and the cherry a month sooner. The cherry plum is a natural species, and can there- fore be produced true from seed. It maintains a vigorous growth all summer, and may be worked in July, August, or September. It may also be propagated from layers. The Sloe is also used to some extent where very small trees are wanted, and we have no doubt some native spe- cies, as for instance the Beach and Chicasaw plums, small trees, will make good dwarf stocks. I am inclined to think, however, that very nice garden trees may be raised on the smaller species of the Canada Plum. The first year’s growth and even the second are quite vigorous on them, but after that the vigor diminishes, and the trees become quite prolific. This and the cherry plum will probably become our principal stocks for dwarfing. Plums for seeds should ripen well on the tree; they are then gathered, the pulp washed off, and the seeds dried and put away in boxes of sand in alternate layers, as 6 193 THE NURSERY recommended for cherries. They may be saved in fall or spring as circumstances already mentioned will admit. Nearly all plums used for stocks may be propagated by layers. Mother plants or stools are planted out and cut back as recommended for paradise, &c.; the shoots of the previous season’s growth are pegged down in the spring flat, and two inches of earth drawn over them. Every bud on these layers will produce a shoot that, generally, will be well enough rooted in the fall to be separated from the stool and planted out into nursery rows the following spring. These layered shoots are cut off close to ‘the old plant, and the upright shoots produced during the previ- ous season may be again pegged down. The stools or mother plants managed in this way require the best treatment to maintain their vigor, that a supply of strong shoots may be produced every season fit to lay down in the spring. Weak, slender shoots, unfit to layer, should be cut out early in the season to aid the growth of those intended for use. This usually goes by the name of Chinese Layering. Section 3.—TRANSPLANTING STOCKS. This comprehends three separate operations, taking up, dressing or pruning, and replanting; but before touching on the detail of these operations, it may be well to con- sider Ist. The age at which Stocks should be transplanted — On this point there seems to be a diversity of opinion, not only among book writers but practical cultivators. The very general opinion, and one that is most acted upon, is, that they should remain where they have been propagated until they are large enough to be worked; a great many plans are therefore suggested for wintering seedlings, and especially the pear. The experience of the best culti- - TRANSPLANTING STOCKS. 133 vators every where is that seedling stocks especially, of all sorts, should be transplanted when one year old. It may be urged against this, that some seedlings are so small when one year old, as not to be worth transplanting ; so feeble, that more care and culture would be required before they could be worked than they are worth. In re- ply, it can only be said that such feeble productions are only fit to be thrown away, because the seeds must have been defective, or the soil and culture bad; and stocks raised from poor seeds, or stunted by bad soil and culture, will never make sound, healthy, vigorous, or long lived trees. When seedlings remain longer than one year in the seed bed, they grow up slender and weak; one more vigorous than its neighbors will ruin all around it; then the roots do not ramity, but continue to lengthen without forming laterals or fibres, and when removed and reduced to the necessary dimensions they receive a severe check; but at one year the check is very light, they at once form lateral roots, and instead of being drawn up tall and slender, they become stout and well proportioned. The best pear grow- ers in Europe, and even in this country, would scarcely take as a gift two year seedling pears from the seed bed, unless in case of absolute necessity. The proper plan is to take up all seedling stocks, and all layers, sufficiently rooted to bear separation from the stool, and all cuttings that stand close, at one year old,* and sort and arrange in separate classes, in this way: in one class put the strongest, those fit for immediate use, either to be grafted on the root, or budded the summer following; in another class, put such as may require to stand one year in the nursery rows to be fit for working; and in the third class, such as are too weak to be put in the nursery rows, * The sloe (Prunus spinosa), or any such very slow growing thing excepted. 194 THE NURSERY. but will require to be “ bedded out,” that is, set closely in beds by themselves, where they can remain for one or two years, until they are large and strong enough for root grafting, or for the nursery rows. Unless in the case of stocks scarce and difficult to procure, this third class had better be thrown away at once, as it will cost as much to nurse them as to raise fine stocks from the seed. 2d. Time to take up.—There is but one proper time to take up all seedlings and rooted layers for stocks, and that is the fall, and this for several reasons. The first is, they are all liable to injury by the frosts of winter; seedlings have no side roots to hold them in the ground, and layers are near the surface, so that the freezing and thawing draws them up; the roots are thus exposed and seriously injured. The second is, they can be dressed during the winter in the cellar, and be ready for planting in spring. When taken up they can be laid closely in by the roots in the soil in a dry place, and covered over so as to exclude frost. When out-door work is over, they can be uncovered, taken into the cellar and dressed, and laid in again by the roots carefully in the same place, which should be protected from frost, of course, in the mean time. The third reason is, that when seedlings are taken up in the fall, the ground can be prepared for another crop; and this is of considerable importance. In the case of layers, the stools or mother plants can be manured, dressed, and put in order for another season’s growth; and this, also, is important. Such are some of the advan- tages, or, in fact, the necessities of taking up stocks in the fall. 3d. How to take wp—Seedlings are very easily taken up, without in the least mutilating the roots, in two ways. If one person do the work, he should begin at one end of the row, and with a common spade, or, which is better, one with three strong prongs, a foot long and TRANSPLANTING STOCKS. 125 an inch and a half wide; dig under the plants without cutting the roots, and as fast as they are loosened below, pull them out, and in this way proceed. Another and quicker way is, for two men to loosen the plants, each on opposite sides of the row, inserting a forked spade as deep as the roots go, while another follows, and pulls out the plants. When the ground is quite soft, this way answers very well; but if dry or hard, the first is better. Layers require more care and caution. A trench must be opened all around the layered branches deep enough to go quite below the roots, and in an oblique manner, so as to undermine them. Where the branches are pegged down, the pegs must be taken out, and the layer is then separated between the rooted part and the stool, and gently taken from the earth. Especial care must be taken not to split those that have been layered by incision; their removal must be done slowly and cautiously. Mound Layers are easier separated ; the earth is simply removed from the base of the rooted branches, and they are then separated within an inch or so of the stem. Layered Branches or Chinese Layers.—W hen the young ‘rooted plants are produced from the eyes of a buried shoot or branch, the pegs are removed, the whole branch dug under, completely loosened and separated from the stool; the young plants are then taken off one by one close to their base. 4th. Pruning or Dressing Stocks—The objects in view always in performing this operation are, to remove in- jured or broken roots, to reduce the tap root that it may produce laterals, to reduce the stems to a proper propor- tion with the roots, and put them in a condition that will ensure a vigorous growth. Seedlings taken from the seed bed, have always a long tap root, with few or no laterals; and as trees with such roots are unfit for safe transplantation, it is necessary to 126 THE NURSERY. take measures to change their character. We, therefore, remove the small tapering portion of the root, as at fig. 84, A; and this ensures the production of lateral or spreading roots near the surface of the ground. The \ Lv, N @) Wi ) 4 Y\ Paes 4 Ve Fie, 84. Fic. 85. ~ J A 4, Fig. 84, a seedling stock, one year’s growth, as it comes from the seed bed. The line at .4, shows the shortening of the tap root. Thatat B, the shortening of the stem before replanting. F¥g. 85, a quince cutting ; the cross lines on the stem and roots indicate the prun- ing before replanting. vious, destroys the natural balance or pear roots espe- cially are inclined more to descend in a straight line than to spread ; and un- less they are well cut back when young, they are always difficult to transplant safely afterwards. Roots that descend like the prongs of a fork, are usually destitute of fibres; whilst those that spread out hori- zontally, or near the surface, are well furnished with fibres, that not only make trees easily transplant- ed, but inclined to early fruitfulness. This operation on the roots, it is ob- proportion that ex- isted between them and the tops. Hence the necessity for shortening the stem in a corresponding manner. But even if the roots were not shortened, the stems should be, TRANSPLANTING STOCKS. 127 14 order to obtain a vigorous growth. The very removal of the plant lessens the power of the roots to absorb and convey nutriment; and on this account, if no other, the stem should be reduced by way of regulating the supply and demand. We sometimes see young stocks planted out without any shortening of the stem; and the result is, they scarcely make any growth the first season—the roots are barely able to absorb enough to keep them alive. If one half the stem had been cut away, the remaining buds would have received such a supply of food as would have produced a vigorous growth. It is a pretty good rule, therefore, to reduce the stems of seedlings one third to one half, as at B C, fig. 84; but there are exceptions to this. For instance, a stock with a very large and strong root, and a short, stout, close-jointed stem, well matured and furnished with plump, prominent buds, requires very little, if any shortening of the stem; and again, others are just the reverse, tall, slender, and feeble, having been suffocated in the seed bed. Such as these require to be shortened more than half, perhaps two thirds. Layers or Cuttings (fig. 85) are in a different situation from seedlings, and require, therefore, different treatment. They have no tap roots, but masses of fibres; and these fibres, if they are preserved fresh and sound till replanted, need no shortening; but if destroyed by exposure, they should be cut off, to eee way for new ones. The short- ening of the stems depends entirely on the size and con- dition of the roots. If well rooted, and the roots be in good condition, they may be left a foot long; if poorly rooted they should be cut back to six or eight inches. This applies equally to the layers of the guince, paradise, Doucain, plums, ete. 5th. Planting stocks in the nursery rows where they _are te be budded.—tThe first consideration which this 128 THE NURSERY. operation suggests, is the condition of the sow. Under the head of soils, sufficient has been said respecting the modes of deepening, draining, and enriching ; and it is only necessary to say here, that where stocks are planted, the soil should be at once deep, dry, and rich; for no such thing as sound vigorous fruit trees can be raised on a poor, shallow, or wet soil. The various means of im- provement have been already pointed out and explained. It may, however, be well to remark that ground may be too rich, and induce a rank, watery growth, that would either result in death at the final transplanting into the garden or orchard, or in a very feeble and sickly growth after it. We see frequent illustrations of this in the case of trees raised in old, worn out nurseries, where rapid growth has been forced by powerfully-stimulating ma- nures. These rank, pithy, soft productions, are very attractive to the eye; but they suffer so much by removal, no matter how well treated, that they seldom fail to dis appoint the planter. This thing should, therefore, be guarded against. Manures used should be well decom- posed, and incorporated with the soil, if possible the autumn before planting. A tree is not like a cabbage or a lettuce. The tenderness and succulency of these con- stitute their great merit; but the wood of a tree must be jirm, shortjointed, and mature, and these requisites are always attained by a moderate and natural, not a forced erowth. Planting each species in the soi best adapted to tt— Where there are different characters of soils in a nursery, to be planted with a general assortment of stocks, it is im- portant to give to each that which is best adapted to its nature; thus the pear, apple, and plum should have the richer, deeper, and more compact, or that with most clay. The plum in particular succeeds well ona pretty stiff clay. The cherry and peach should have the lightest and warmest. TRANSPLANTING STOCKS. 129 The gwince, the paradise, and Doucain, do not require such a deep soil as the pear and the common apple seed- lings, because their roots are fibrous and always remain near the surface; but it must not be inferred from this that a shallow soil suits these best. 6th. When to Plant—In parts of the country where the winter is long and severe, or where freezing and thaw- ing are frequent, fall planting cannot be successful, as the plants, having no hold of the ground, are drawn out and injured; and besides, if the ground is somewhat clayey and tenacious, the heavy rains that occur early in the spring will make it so compact that air will not penetrate it, and the young roots will form slowly and feebly. When neither of these difficulties is to be feared, fall planting is decidedly preferable. Spring planting should be done at the earliest moment the condition of the ground will admit, which is, when dry enough to crumble into fine particles when turned over with the spade. 7th. Distance to Plant——W eare all in the habit of plant- ing quite too closely in the nursery ; the consequence is that the trees are not well proportioned. As a general thing, the standards are in many cases as large six feet from the ground as at the collar, weak and top heavy, so that sticks have to be used to support them, even when four years old. Not long ago I observed in a nursery which has the reputation of being one of the best managed in this country, whole squares, some thousands of four year old apple trees, of all kinds, tied up to sticks; they were not able to support their own weight. One reason, and the principal one, was, they were planted too close, the other will be spoken of presently. Pyramidal trees are out of the question where such close planting is practised, the growth is always forced to the top. Nature gives us numerous and striking illustrations of the effect of close planting. We see in a natural group or thicket trees 6* 130 THE NURSERY. running up forty or fifty feet of an equal diameter, and without a branch; and if one such tree were left exposed, by the removal of those around it, the first high wind would blow it down. On the outskirts of this group or thicket, or perhaps completely isolated,in the centre of a field, we see another tree of the same species, branched almost from the ground, and with a diameter at the base twice as great as at half its height, and tapering upward with beautiful regularity, and capable of resisting a hur- ricane. To raise stout, well-proportioned trees, we must give them plenty of room, that they may have the advan- tage of air all around, and not only at the top. There is scarcely a nursery to be found in which the trees are not grown too close—three or four on the space that one should occupy. There is to be sure great economy in close planting, for five hundred trees can be grown on the space that one should occupy, and with nearly as little labor; but it would really be better for people to pay twice or three times as much for their trees if grown so far apart that the air and light would have free access to them in all parts, and give them stout, well- proportioned forms. A reform in this respect is much needed, but it cannot be expected until purchasers become discriminating and intelligent on the subject. The distance at which stocks should be planted in the nursery rows is governed entirely by circumstances. If it be intended to use a cultivator between the rows, they should not be less than three and a half feet apart. If spade and hoe culture be intended, two and a half to three feet will be sufficient. Where the trees are to be removed at the age of one year, one foot apart in the rows is sufficient; but if they are to remain until two, three or four years they should be eighteen inches to two feet. If removed at two years, eighteen inches is enough; but where standards remain three or four years, until they TRANSPLANTING STOCKS. 131 have heads formed, and pyramids remain*until they have formed two or three tiers of lateral branches, two feet or two and a half is little enough. Indeed, when pyramids remain for three years, there should be a clear space three feet on all sides. ; Dwarf standards require less space than full stand- ards, and dwarf bushes still Jess. The stocks intended for these different classes of trees should be planted sepa- rately. In sorting the stocks at the time of dressing, the largest should be used for full standards and the smaller for low or dwarf standards. 8. Mode of Planting—The square or plot of ground for each class of stocks being ready, a line is stretched along one side and a trench opened with the spade, deep and wide enough to hold the roots; the plant is then held against the side of the trench next the line, by one man, whilst the earth is filled in by another; when about half the earth is in, it istrodden down pretty firmly by the foot, and the remainder filled in. As buds are usually inserted on the north side of the stocks they should incline slightly to the south. Good pulverized surface soil should always be put upon the roots, to induce the immediate for- mation of young fibres. During the planting, the roots must be carefully guarded from exposure. A few only should be taken out of the ground at a time. When there are but few fibrous roots, puddling in thin mud is useful, otherwise not. _ Planting Root Grafts—The quickest mode of planting small root grafts is to stretch a line along the ground to be planted, and with a dibble make the holes and press the earth in around the plants. This dibble should Fic. 86 be twelve to eighteen inches long, about — rormorpib- two inches in diameter, pointed and shod Pe ued in planting root with iron—fig. 86 represents one made of gratts, 132 THE NURSERY. the handle of a spade. One person will plant as many in this way as four could by opening trenches with spades. But, where the plants are dibbled in, the ground mnst be in the best condition, perfectly dry and finely pulverized. Treatment of Stocks after Planting—The principal care which stocks require between the time they are planted and the time they are budded, is to keep the ground about them clean of weeds, and in a friable, porous condition on the surface by frequent stirring. ‘The success of budding depends in a great measure on the condition of the stocks. They must be in a thrifty, grow- ing state, and this can only be obtained with good treat- ment. Having now considered, in as much detail as seems necessary, the propagation and transplanting of stocks into the nursery rows, we proceed with Section 4.—Tue Bupprne, Grarrine, AND MANAGEMENT OF TREES IN THE NURSERY. The simplest and clearest method of treating this part of the subject seems to be, that of considering separately each year’s operations in succession, Tue Firsr Yrar.—Strong yearling seedlings of the apple, pear, cherry, and plum, say one fourth of an inch and upwards in diameter, and well rooted layers of the guence, paradise, and Doucain, of the same size, planted in the spring in a good soil, and kept under good clean culture will, as a general thing, be in a fit state for budding in July, August, or September following. The budding may therefore be considered as the first season’s work. The details of this operation may be divided for consideration, as follows : 1. Time for Budding.—2. Preparation of the Stocks. BUDDING, GRAFTING, ETC. 133 —3. Preparing the Buds.—4. Insertion of the Buds.—5. Untying. 1st. The time for budding each species or class of fruits depends upon its habits of growth. Such as cease to grow early in the season, must be budded early, because it can only be done while the stocks are in a free, growing state, full of sap. Such as grow until late in the autumn, must be budded late, otherwise the new layers of wood formed after the insertion of the bud, would grow over and destroy it, or the bud would be forced into a prema- ture growth towards autumn, which in fruit trees should always be avoided. The common sorts of plum terminate their growth early in the season, and are therefore budded early, whether with plums, peaches, or apricots, at Ro- chester usually about the last of July, or beginning of August. The native or Canada plum, and the cherry or myrobalan, grow freely till late in the fall, and may be budded in the latter end of August, or beginning of Sep- tember. Pears on pear stocks are usually budded here in July, in anticipation of the leaf blight which stops their growth when it attacks them. Where no such thing as this is apprehended, they should not be budded before the middle of August, as the buds are not generally mature till that time. Apples on free stocks, and on the paradise and Doucain, may be budded as soon as the buds are ma- ture, which is usually, here, about the first to the middle of August. Cherries on free mazzard stocks—as soon as buds are ripe here, about the first of August. Pears on - guince, and cherries on mahaleb, not before the first of September, and from that to the middle of the month, as the quince and mahaleb grow late, and especially the latter. Peach stocks should always be budded the same season the seeds are planted, and, as they grow rapidly until very late, are not usually budded till about the mid- dle of September. The budding period varies in different 134 THE NURSERY. - seasons. In a dry, warm season, the young wood matures earlier, and. stocks cease to grow sooner, and are, there- fore, budded earlier than in a cool, moist season, that pro- longs the growth of the stocks, and retards the maturity of the buds. Stocks growing feebly require to be budded earlier than those growing freely. It is necessary to keep an eye to all these points. The destruction of insects must be promptly attended to. An army of slugs may devour the foliage of the pear and cherry, and even the plum, in a day or two, and pre- vent their being worked that season. The apis, too, fre- quently appears in such multitudes as to check the growth. Dry lime or ashes thrown on the slugs will kill them, and strong soap suds, or tobacco water, so.strong as to assume the color of strong beer, will kill the aphis. 2d. Preparation of the Stocks ——This consists in remov- ing such lateral shoots from the stock as may be likely to obstruct the insertion of the bud. Our practice is to do this at the moment.of budding, one person doing the work in advance of the budders. If done a few days pre- vious, and several shoots are removed, it checks the growth of the stocks, and they do not work so well. It might answer very well to do it two or three weeks pre- vious, so that they might recover from the check before being budded. 3d. Insertion of the Bud.—aving treated so fully of the manner of preparing and inserting the buds in the article on budding, nothing farther need be said on these points here. In free stocks the bud should be inserted within three er four inches of the ground. In some parts of the west, Wisconsin, Illinois, and some other places, certain rapid, late-growing, and rather tender varieties are liable to be winter-killed if budded close to the ground, probably by the sudden thawing of that part BUDDING, GRAFTING, ETC. 135 caused by the refraction of heat from the ground. In view of such a difficulty, it may be well enough to bud high up, but, as a general thing, low budding makes the best trees. All dwarf stocksshould be budded as close to the surface of the ground as it is possible, and even some of the earth may be removed and put back when the budding is done. The necessity for this lies in the fact that all dwarf stocks should be wholly below the ground when finally planted out in the garden or orchard. | 4th. Untying the Buds—In ten days or a fortnight after the buds are inserted, they should be examined, and such as have failed may be budded again if the stocks continue to grow. In some cases it may be necessary, and particularly with cherries, to loosen the buds and tie them over again, as rapid growth will cause the string to cut the bark before the bud has completely united, or is fit to be untied. This seldom occurs, however; as a general thing, the strings may be removed in three weeks toa month after the budding; and they should never be left on over the winter, as moisture lodges around them to the detriment of the bud. As soon as the budding is done, the ground should be worked over with the cultivator or forked spade. The first season’s management of stocks too small for budding consists simply in keeping the soil clean and mellow, and in guarding against the attacks of insects. The treatment of root grafts the first season consists in cleaning and loosening the ground, the removal of suckers from the roots as fast as they appear, and pinching early any strong side shoots likely to weaken the leader. Seconp Yrar.— Where the buds failed the previous sea- son, the stocks should now be whip-grafted near the sur- face of the ground. They will be little behind the buds, and will make nearly as good trees, if neatly done. Plums and cherries must be done before, or as soon as the buds 136 THE NURSERY. begin to swell (say in March here); pears and apples may be done later. The second sized stocks, planted last season, and intended to be budded this, should, if in a feebly growing or stunted condition, be cut back to within two or three inches of the surface of the ground. This will give the roots new vigor, and thrifty shoots will be made by budding time that will work more easily and successfully than the old stock. In a month or so after being cut down, all the shoots but the strongest one should be removed. The stocks budded last season are headed down to within three or four inches of the bud, just as the leaves are beginning to appear, and all buds starting into growth on the stock, either below or above them, rubbed off. Treatment of the growing bud consists in keeping all shoots that appear on the stock rubbed off. If side shoots appear early, and are likely to contract the growth of the leader, they should be pinched off. Any that assume a reclining or crooked habit should be tied up to the stock, or to a support, which may be a wooden pole four feet long, sunk a foot in the ground at the root of the stock; both the stock and growing shoot should be fast- ened to it (fig. 87), but not so close as to impede the growth. This is only necessary * with certain weak, irregular growing sorts. In August the portion of the stock left above the bud at the heading down in the ck Young Puce’ spring should be removed with a sloping son’s growth, sup- cut, close and smooth, as at A (fig. 87), at the abe at OE: highest point of union between the bud and dicates the cutting stock. The new layers of wood made after away of the stock : e close tothe bud, this time coversthe wound before growth ceases in the fall. Side shoots, when they appear, must — BUDDING, GRAFTING, ETC. 137 be checked, if too vigorous, by pinching off their ends, but not entirely removed, as they assist in giving size and strength to the lower part of the body of the young tree. The peach almost invariably produces numerous side branches the first season, and it is avery common but very erroneous practice to prune these all off in mid-summer. The proper course is to maintain an uniform vigor amongst them by pinching, and to prevent any from encroaching on the leading shoot; in this way we get stout, well-propor- tioned trees. This brings us to the end of the second year, and gives us young trees of one year’s growth. Peach trees should always be planted out at this age, and all trees intended for training in particular forms; but as this part of the subject will be considered under the head of “ Selec- tions of Trees,” we will proceed to the course of manage- ment for the Tuirp Yrar.—We commence this year with trees of one year’s growth; and the first point is to determine what form is to be given them, whether tall or dwarf’ stand- ards, pyramids, bushes, or espaliers. Waving settled these matters, we have but to follow up the proper course to accomplish the desired ends. It may be well to take each of these forms in succession, and point out the necessary management under various circumstances. Ist. Standards.—Until very lately, trees of all sorts, and for every situation, were grown as tall standards, with naked trunks six and even eight feet high. Indeed, it appeared as though an impression existed amongst people that a tree was not in reality a tree, nor worthy of a place on their grounds, if it had not this particular form. Lat- terly, however, since fruit tree culture has become more practised, and somewhat better understood, this impres- sion has been gradually losing ground, and in all parts of the country low trees are finding advocates. Experience is beginning to teach people that whilst tall 138 / THE NURSERY. standards in an orchard possess the single advantage of admitting the operations of the plough under the branches, low standards are much more secure against the numerous fatal diseases that attack the trunks—are much more accessible for the performance of all the necessary details of management, and for the gathering of the fruit. These are all very important advantages certainly ; but the most important one is the safety of the tree against diseases of the trunk. In all parts of this country, we have a powerful sun in summer, and in winter and spring sudden and violent changes from one extreme to another; and experience has shown, that the trunk and large branches, being fully exposed to all external influences, are generally the parts first attacked with disease. COul- tivators are, of course, at liberty to choose for themselves; but, except to meet the wants of some particular circum- stances, no standard tree should have a branchless stem above jive feet in height: four is preferable for all, ex- cept orchards of common apples for cider or stock. Trees with heads only four feet from the ground, are always easy of access, and the natural spread of the branches affords a great protection to the trunk at all seasons. Nursery- men should by all means encourage by precept and ex- ~ ample the cultivation of low-headed trees. Starting with the yearling trees for standards, we examine the habit of the variety, whether stout or slen- der, whether branched, as many varieties are the first season, or without branches. Before proceeding to the operation of cutting down to increase the size of the trunk, the reader is referred to the principles and prac- tices-of pruning in the first part of the work. No prun- ing should be attempted for the attainment of any special purpose without having first carefully studied these. If slender and without side branches, as in fig. 88, they should be cut back twelve to twenty inches, as at A. BUDDING, GRAFTING, ETC. 139 This removes the buds that would push first, and retains f the sap in the lower parts, which ! will give a stout body. The taller and more slender the tree, and the smaller the buds, the farther it becomes necessary to cut back. In fact, some very feeble growing sorts must be cut back till within a foot or less of the base. Dur- ing the summer, trees cut back in this way may produce lateral shoots on the greater part of their length. These must not be pruned off, but kept in an uniform size and vigor, by pinching any that threaten to exceed their proper bounds. The shoots immediately below the leader, must be watch- ed, as they are always inclined to Hig. 88, ay *aling tree; fromthe A tree thus cut back, and the bud A, indice 5 the cutting back to ‘ ? ‘ make a ston: stom for a standard. B Side branches regulated by pinch- and C, the cutimg back for pyra- ; : = mids or low surdards. D, the cut- ms; will, in the fall, have a stout ting back for ¢warfs or espaliers. body, and present the appearance Fig. 89,a yourg tree once cut back saarls to form trunk fer a standard. of fig. 89. Where the yearlings are short and stout, and are fur- nished with a few lateral shoots, cutting back may be unnecessary. The largest of the side shoots may be pruned off wholly, and the small ones left to retain the sap in the lower part of the stem, at least till midsummer, when new ones will have been produced. There are cer- tain stout-growing, branching varieties of all the fruits that require no shortening and very little pruning of any kind, to form stout trunks, and especially when not planted too close. 140 THE NURSERY. Dwarf Standards.—The management of yearly buds to produce these, is similar to that described for standards, varying it always to suit the particular habit of the spe- cies or variety; tall slender growing sorts require cutting back, and the suppression of branches at the top; but many varieties of cherries and plums, some very stout growing pears and apples, and all apricots and peaches, may commence the formation of heads this season. The stem is cut at the point desired, two to three feet from the ground, to form the head on, and three or four of the stoutest shoots, growing in opposite directions, are pre- served, whilst all others close to them are pinched off, when two or three inches long; side branches are allowed to remain that season on the stem to strengthen it, but they are kept short and regular by pinching. In the fall these trees will be fit forthe final planting out, whilst those of weaker habit will require another season, if they be wanted with heads. Pyramids.—Y earling trees intended for pyramids are cut back so far as to ensure the production of vigorous side branches within six or eight inches of the stock. The habits of growth of the species and variety must be care- fully taken into account. Some are disposed, from the beginning, to form lateral branches, and others require vigorous measures to force them to do so. As examples, the Bloodgood pear is very much inclined to branch the first year, whilst the Louise Bonne de Jersey and Duchess d’Angouleme seldom do so, unless in some way the growing point be checked. So it is in cherries; most of the Dukes and Morellos are inclined to produce laterals the first season, but the free growing sorts, Hearts and Ligarreaus, rarely do so, unless the point is checked early in the sea- son. So itis in all the fruits, and therefore no general rule can be given, but the appearance of the tree indicates the treatment required. Where we see side branches BUDDING, GRAFTING, ETO. 141 naturally produced the first season, we at once conclude that the buds are well disposed to break, and the cutting back may be comparatively light. Where no side branches are produced, we must be governed by the appearance of the buds on the lower part of the tree, where it is desired to produce the lower branches; if they be small and flat, it will take close cutting to arouse them, but if plump and prominent, less vigorous measures will be necessary. In the case of short, stout, and branched yearlings, a few of the best placed, lowest, and strongest branches are reserved, whilst the others are entirely re- moved. We then shorten the reserved branches accord- ing to their position, leaving the lowest the longest. The leading shoot is shortened, so that all the buds left will be sure to push and form shoots. When these have attained the length of two or three inches, the strongest and best placed are selected for permanent branches, and the others are pinched off. Yearlings that have no side branches, figure 88, we generally cut back one half as to 6, and in many cases two thirds to C, in order to obtain strong branches near the ground. Every bud below the one we cut to, should push, and when shoots of two inches or so are made, we select two, three, or such number as may be wanted, of the strongest and best situated to be reserved, and pinch the others. It very generally happens that two or three buds next below the one we cut to, push with such vigor as to injure both the leading shoot above and the side shoots below them. They must be watched and pinched as soon as this disposition becomes obvious. Yearling trees managed in this way will present in the fall the appearance of fig. 90. Purchasers are very apt to favor tall trees, even at the expense of their forms; and nurserymen, even those who know better, with a view to suiting the tastes of their cus- 142 THE NURSERY. tomers, rarely cut their trees back sufficiently to make pyramids. The first branches are seldom less than two feet from the ground, and it is quite dif- ficult to make nice pyramids of such trees afterwards; at all events, it incurs a great loss of time, for the whole of the branches and half of the stem must be cut away to produce the required form. Dwarf Bushes.—The apple on para- dise is generally grown in this form, with six to twelve inches of a stem and spreading heads. The Morello cherry and the cherry and Mirabelle plums, and many kinds of pears, may be grown as dwarf bushes, if desirable. The stocks must all be of a dwarf cha- racter. Plants from which the strongest have been selected for dwarf standards Hie ee: and pyramids, will make very good pe Mentone nas bushes. The branches being so near intend for a pyramid. the root renders a less amount of vigor Hensel ein cue necessary. Very strong yearling plants may be allowed to form heads the second year, but such as are very slender will require cut- ting back and another season’s growth, before the head is allowed to form; and they will require a similar course of treatment, as has been recommended for standards, and dwarf standards. No matter what the character of the tree is, a stout stem is necessary, and although the mea- sures taken to obtain this seem to require in some cases a loss of time, still there is a gain in the end; for trees allowed to form heads before the stems are amply sufi- cient to support them, require a great deal of extra care after planting out, and a course of shortening back, that BUDDING, GRAFTING, ETC. 143 offsets the temporary advantage of forming the head a year sooner. This holds good in all cases. The mode of form- ing the heads of dwarf bushes is similar to that described for standards. Lispalier Trees—These have a few advantages peculiar to themselves, which will be explained under the head of “ the selection of trees for the garden.” To form espaliers, yearling trees are usually chosen, planted in the place where they are to remain and cut back to within four or five buds of the stocks, as at D, fig. 88; these buds break and produce shoots from which the strongest are chosen to form the arms, and the others are rubbed off. The peach grows so vigorously that, if the growing bud be checked when a foot high, it will produce side shoots, from which two may be selected from the main branches of the espalier, and thus a year will be saved. Another way is to insert two buds, one on each side of the steck. Very nice espalier trees may be grown in the form of a pyramid with a main stem and lateral branches, the lowest being the longest. Trees for this form require the same management as pyramids, except that the branches should be placed opposite on éwo sides. This brings us to the end of the third year, and the trees are now two years old from the bud. At this age we take it for granted that all trees on dwarf stocks for pyra- mids, dwarfs, and espaliers, and all standards even, of the peach, apricot, and nectarine, and in most cases the cherry and plum, will be finally planted out. Standard pears and apples are almost the only trees that require to be left longer in the nursery, and their management during the third and fourth years of their growth, if allowed to remain so long, will be similar to that de- scribed for the second. In the spring, February or March, the leading shoot is cut back in order to increase 144 THE NURSERY. the stoutness of the stem as it advances in height; and during the summer, the side shoots are kept of uniform length and vigor by pinching. The lower side branches are removed gradually every season as the tree becomes strong enough to dispense with them. As it has been be- fore remarked, the cutting back depends always on the natural character of the subject—stout, short-jointed, mod- erate growing sorts, that naturally increase in height and diameter of stem in proper proportions, will require no cutting back. Very few, however, have this habit. In nearly all cases more or less shortening in, every spring, is necessary until the stem has arrived at the requisite height, and is well proportioned, decreasing gradually in diameter from the base to the top. The Treatment of the Sotl—During the whole period the trees remain in the nursery, the ground about them must be kept clean and finely pulverized on the surface by repeated and continual stirring. Every spring, as soon as the heavy rains are over, and the ground settled and dry, the space between the rows should be ploughed, if they are far enough apart to admit of it. A small one- horse plough, such as is used for ploughing cornfields (see implements), is suitable, but it should not be allowed to go nearer the tree than six inches, nor so deep as to come in contact with the roots. After ploughing, the cultivator may be run through once each way between the rows, every week or two, and this will leave very little hoeing to be done. If the rows are so close as not to admit the plough and cultivator, the forked spade must be used in the spring to give the ground a thorough stirring, and the hoe afterwards. If the ground be naturally adhesive, a second or even a third ploughing or spading may be necessary in the course of the summer; for it must at all times be kept in a loose, porous condition, or the roots will be deprived of the benefits of the air and moisture. Stir- THE GRAPE VINE. 145 ring the ground so often that weeds barely make their appearance, is not only the best, but most economical cul- ture. It need scarcely be added that in using the plough or cultivator among trees, a very short whiflletree should be used, the horse should be gentle and steady, and the ploughman both careful and skilful; and laborers who use the spade or hoe, should be duly cautioned against cutting or bruising the trees with their implements. Section 5.—PRoPAGATION AND Nursery COvLrureE oF SEVERAL Fruir Trees AND SHRUBS NOT USUALLY GRAFTED OR BuDDED. Ist. The Grape Vine—This is one of the easiest sub- jects to propagate among all our fruit trees. In all stages of its growth it should have a dry and rich sow, dryness first and most of all. The surest method of propagation for unpractised hands, is layering. A branch or shoot of the current season’s growth, laid down in June, in the manner described in the first part of this book (figs. 61 and 62), will be well enough rocted to bear transplanting in the fall or spring following. The reader is referred to the instructions on layering. The next mode is by long cuttings. At the winter pruning, the strongest, roundest, and firmest shoots of the previous season’s growth are selected, and cut into pieces twelve to eighteen inches long, with two or three eyes, as in fig. 60. They are cut close to an eye at the lower end, ‘or a piece of the old wood may be attached, like fig. 58. These cuttings are buried in dry, sandy earth, till the ground is fit to receive them in the spring. In planting, the whole cutting is buried but one eye, and some cover that even as much as an inch deep. The long cutting must be laid in the trench obliquely, as in 146 THE NURSERY. fig. 60, so that the lower part will not be out of reach of air and heat, without which new roots will not be formed. During the summer, the earth must be kept clean and friable around them; and, in dry seasons, a thick mulch- ing will be very beneficial in preserving a uniformity of heat and moisture. In the fall, the plants will be fit for final transplanting ; but if they remain another season, they should be pruned back in winter to two or three buds at the base, and during the following summer only one or two shoots be allowed to grow, all others being rubbed off early. Layers, when taken from the mother plant, and set in nursery rows, should be cut back in the same manner, in order to obtain one or two vigorous shoots when the plant is to be finally set out. Short Cuttings—These consist of only one eye, from the stoutest and firmest shoots of the previous year’s wood (fig. 59), with not more than an inch of wood on each side of it. These cuttings, however, seldom succeed so well in the open ground as others. They require a little artificial bottom heat. The simplest way to treat them is to make a sort of hotbed, with two to three feet of halfdecayed stable manure, well mixed, and six or eight inches of light sandy soil. The cuttings are planted in this a quarter to half an inch deep, and covered with a glazed sash. If carefully and regularly watered, and well ventilated, they will make fine plants by the autumn. A better way than this is, especially in propagating the foreign varieties, to put them into pots, and put the pots in the hotbed. A single cutting may be put into a small three inch pot, covered a fourth of an inch deep; or several cuttings may be inserted in a larger pot. In this case they should be placed around the sides. When they have made a growth of about six inches, they may be shifted into THE CURRANT. 147 larger pots, with good, rich compost. In one season they will make good, strong plants. Plenty of air should always be given them, as soonas they are rooted, to prevent their being drawn up into weak, watery shoots. When the native hardy sorts are raised from eyes in the hotbed as described, the yearling plants should be pruned to a couple of eyes, and transplanted into nursery rows, where one season’s growth will fit them for final setting. Single eyes, in all cases, make the best plants. 2d. The Currant.—Every one knows how ‘to propagate this. A yearling shoot, six inches to a foot long, taken off close to the old wood, and planted half or two thirds its length in the ground, in the spring, will make a strong, well-rooted plant in the autumn. To prevent shoots from springing up below the surface of the ground, the eyes on that part are cut out, or they may be left the first season, and cut out when the plants are rooted. The buds aid in the formation of roots. When a variety is rare and scarce, the young shoots may all be layered in July, and they will make well-rooted plants in the fall. 3d. Gooseberries are propagated in the same way, and with almost equal facility, as currants, though, as a gene- ral thing, they do not grow with such rapidity. Layers are the surest, but they require to be one year in the nursery rows after being separated from the mother plant to make them strong enough for the final planting. An inch or two of swamp moss laid over the surface of the ground in which layers are made, assists in retaining the moisture. This is applicable to all kinds of layers. Ath. Strawberries are propagated by the runners, which spread on the surface of the ground in all directions from the plant as soon as it begins to grow in the spring. Where a variety is scarce, and it is desirable to multiply it carefully, these runners should be sunk slightly in the 148 THE NURSERY. ground, and pegged down with small hooked sticks, as they will root and form plants fit for removal much quicker than if left to root in their own way. With good management, a single plant may produce twenty- five to fifty, and even one hundred in one season. Plants to be propagated from, should have abundance of space, and a deep, rich soil. An application of liquid. manure will stimulate their vigor, and increase the number and strength of the runners. 5th. Raspberries are propagated from-suckers, or shoots produced from the collar, or spreading roots of the plant. They are renewed every season. The canes bearing but once, they may be propagated by layering the young canes in midsummer, and by cuttings of the roots. The latter mode is advantageously applied in the case of new or rare sorts. 6th. Berberries are propagated by seeds, suckers, and layers, in the simplest manner. Rare sorts are also grafted successfully on the common ones early in the spring, in the cleft mode. Tth. Mulberries—tThe large black mulberry is the only one worthy of culture for the fruit. It is easily propa- gated both by cuttings and layers. The latter mode is the surest. ; Sth. Chestnuts—The common American chestnut may be propagated from seeds either planted in the fall or kept in sand all winter, and planted early in the spring. In one season they are fit to transplant into nursery rows, and in two years more at most may be finally planted out. The Spanish chestnut is propagated either from seeds or by grafting on the common chestnut. Its fruit is three times as large as the common. 9th. Filberts are propagated either from suckers or by grafting. If seedlings are used for stocks, the grafted LABELS FOR NURSERY TREES. 149 plants are the best, as they are not only more prolific, but they do not throw up suckers. They may be grown either as low standards, with stems three feet high, or as pyramids or dwarf bushes. 10th. Walnuts are propagated from seeds or by graft- ing, in the same way as filberts. There is a dwarf pro- lific variety, that bears quite young, and makes handsome pyramidal garden trees. Srction 6.—LABELS FoR Nursery TREES. It is highly important that a correct system for preserv ing the names of varieties be adopted. Our practice is, to make labels of cedar, eighteen inches long, three inches wide, and about an inch thick. These are pointed on one end, to be sunk in the ground eight or ten inches, and the face is painted white. When a variety is to be budded or grafted, the name, or anumber ivferring to a regular record is written on it, and itis put in the ground in front of the first tree of the variety. Besides this, we invariably record in the nursery book each row, with the kind or kinds worked on it, in the order they stand in the square. In case of the accidental loss of the labels, the record preserves the names. Figure 91 represents this kind of label, and though there are many others in use, we believe this is one of the simplest and best. At the time of budding or grafting, we usually oe write the name on with pencil, and after the Fig. 91, la square has been all worked, the numbers are bel for mur made with a brush and black paint. sery rows. 150 THE NURSERY. Section 7.—Taxine up TREES FRoM THE NuRSERY. This is an operation that should be well understood, and performed with the greatest care. The importance of the fibrous roots has been already explained. It has been shown that they are the principal absorbing parts of the roots, and when they are destroyed the tree receives a great shock, from which it requires good treatment and a long time to recover. There is a great difference in the character of roots, some penetrating the ground to a great depth, and requiring much labor in the removal, others quite fibrous near the surface, and consequently very easily taken up. This difference is not owing alone to the difference in the species, but to whether the subjects have or have not been frequently transplanted. The way to take up a tree properly, is to dig a trench on each side at the extremities of the lateral or spreading roots, taking care that the edge, and not the face of the spade, be kept next the tree, so that the roots will not be cut off. When this trench is so deep as to be below all the lateral roots, a slight pull, and a pry on each side with the spade, will generally bring out the trees. If there be strong tap roots, running down to a great depth, they may be cut with a stroke of the spade. Laborers who have not been accustomed to the work, invariably perform it badly, and it is difficult to get it properly done even by experienced hands. It is a work requiring care and leisure, though it is usually performed slovenly and in great haste. Labelling. —W hen a tree, or a number of trees, of any variety are taken up, a label, with the name written on it, should at once be attached. The kind of label used in the nurseries here, is a piece of pine about three andahalf inches long, three fourths of an inch wide, and one eighth TAKING UP TREES FROM THE NURSERY. he of an inch thick. A neck is made on one end by cutting mto each edge about an eighth of an inch; a piece of No. 32 copper wire, about seven or eight inches long, is then fastened in the middle, on the neck of the label, with two or three twists. The two ends of the wire are then placed around the stem, or a branch of the tree, and are fastened with a twist or two. This kind of wire and label we find by experience to be not only safe, but more expeditiously attached than any other. Ifa little paint is rnbbed on just before being used, the writing will lds. be more legible and permanent, but it Wire tabel for trees. should be so light as to be barely perceptible, else it will clog the pencil. These labels are made very quickly, as follows: take a common inch board planed, cut into pieces the length of the label, make a groove with a knife or saw along both sides, at one end for the neck, and then set the piece on its end, and split off the labels with a knife; this can be done nearly as fast as one person can pick them up. The wire costs three shillings per pound, and is cut into lengths with a pair of common shears. Packing—Persons who are ignorant of the structure of trees, never appreciate the importance of packing; and that is the reason why so many trees are every year destroyed by exposure. It is not uncommon, in this part of the country, to see apple trees loaded on hayracks, like so much brush, without a particle of covering on any part of them, to travel a journey of three or four weeks in this condition. Of course it is utterly impossible that such trees can live or thrive; and yet the persons who thus conduct their nursery operations, are doing the most profitable business. Such practices are not only dishonest, - 153 THE NURSERY. but highly injurious and disreputable to the trade; and it is by no means fair to class such people amongst re- spectable and honorable nurserymen. Purchasers are often at fault in this matter. Nursery- men have to buy and pay for the material used in pack- ing. Mats cost one to two shillings apiece; straw, three cents per small bundle; yarn, one to two shillings per pound; moss, three to four dollars per load, in many cases ; and besides, the labor of packing, when well done, is very great. It is, therefore, not unreasonable that a charge be made; but some people, rather than pay twenty-five or fifty cents for packing fifty trees, would expose themselves to the risk of losing all. Purchasers should invariably charge the nurseryman to whom they send their orders, to pack in the best manner. Better pay one or even two cents per tree for packing, than lose it or injure it so much as to make it almost worthless. The mode of packing pursued here is this: Where the trees are packed in bundles, a number of ties are first laid down, then a layer of long rye straw, three or four inches deep; the trees are then laid compactly together, straw being placed among the tops to prevent their being chafed when drawn together, and: damp moss from the swamp is shaken among the roots. When the bundle is built, long straw is placed on the top as below, and it is then bound up as tightly as it can be drawn. Straw is then placed around the roots sufficiently thick to exclude the air, and then a bass mat is sewed on over the straw. If the bundle is only to go a short distance, the straw can be so secured around the roots that the mats may be dispensed with ; but if it has a long journey to perform, it should be matted from bottom to top, and sewed with strong tarred spun yarn, about as thick as a goose quill. Loxes are rather more secure for very, long journeys ; they should be made of white wood, or some light timber TAKING UP TREES FROM THE NURSERY. 153 that holds nails well. If the trees are composed of seve- ral varieties, they should be tied in small parcels of four to six each, according to the size. The sides and ends of the box should be well lined with straw, and the roots bedded in moss and the tops in straw, to prevent chafing. If the box be large, two rows of cleats are necessary— one in the middle and one in the top, to hold the trees in their place and to keep the box from spreading. When the box is nailed up, it should be banded at both ends with iron hoops, fastened with wrought nails. Packed in this way, trees may go any distance with safety. The season of the year modifies the mode of packing. The roots should always for a long journey be immersed in a thin mud before being packed, as this excludes the air; but in the fall, this mud should be dry before the package is made up, and the moss should contain very little mois- ture. In a frosty time the less moisture there is about the rootsethe better; but an abundance of straw should be used to exclude the air and frost. feeling in.—W hen trees are taken up, and cannot be either packed or planted at once, they are laid in by the roots in trenches; the longer they have to remain in this situation the better it should be performed. Trees are often wintered in this way, and if the trenches are dug deep, and the roots well spread out and deeply covered, they are perfectly safe. It should be done in such cases with almost as much care as the final planting of a tree. When great bundles of the roots are huddled in together, and only three or four inches of earth thrown over them, both air and frost act upon them, and they sustain serious injury. Tender trees likely to suffer from the freezing of the shoots, should be laid in an inclined, almost horizon- tal position, and be covered with brush, evergreen boughs, or something that will break off the violence of the wind W% 154 THE NURSERY. and frost. Straw should not be used, as it attracts vermin. Some rough litter or manure should also be thrown around the roots, and in this way the most tender of all our fruit trees may be wintered with safety. PART =LEE. THE LAYING OUT, ARRANGEMENT AND GENERAL MAN. AGEMENT OF DIFFERENT KINDS OF PERMANENT PLAN- TATIONS OF FRUIT TREES, SELECTION OF TREES, AND VARIETIES. AND PRUNING AND CONDUCTING TREES UNDER VARIOUS FORMS. af steer i, eal re at’ Ne at wa ag 4 Ngide ae “Dee Oe ee ies AY 4 ps Rf Wie ae ANY, | mab yas ava rey en ee uy ; x! A ek : j a ie j VV b ‘water ie Siri ae con wid adi} i oat Bh. ha hn omni ney: ‘Hehe ie neat uhvngte! Sais ‘te, va vill ei rh .| ri mS ‘ fh f: — si me he ii ; i ( Ps ar dak ae Vc 7 AA 8 is ay Psi ‘ As : ihe 4 f | Te Saale) ee Pree era i ‘ ‘ > ‘ PT * 7 4 | i) . 7 Pe m % . Mee, me : $ Ave i ; a a ‘s sty ; f iar v ; Lane fy, p cn’? a is 1 my, 1 i hat i ? FA 4 q A) \ wry ' 4 es Pa Pw an 8 , . bs, (@: aM - - y J > ' t { ‘ i \ i) ‘ by i “aC hs 1 * ‘ , K y ; f , ; Ai) Lael > ‘ i Ne i i} N : ; - ; = jee ' CHAPTER’ T. PERMANENT PLANTATIONS OF FRUIT TREES, Sxotion 1.—Tue Diurrerent Kinps or Puantations. Turse are of several kinds, and may be classed as fol- lows—isr. The Family Orchard, which is a portion of the farm set apart for the production of the more hardy and common fruit, principally apples, for the use of the farm stock and the family. 2d. The Market or Commer- cial Orchard, is a large plantation of the various species of fruit trees for the production of fruit as an article of commerce. 3d. The Fruit Garden, with the Farmer is a plot of ground near the dwelling, in which the finer fruits, as pears, peaches, plums, cherries, apricots, Wc., and all the small fruits are cultivated. In many cases, and even in most cases, it is a portion of the kitchen gar- den, where the table or culinary vegetables are grown. With the profe: sional man, the merchant, the mechanic, and others who reside in cities, villages, and their suburbs, possessing but sinall tracts of land, at most but a few acres, the fruit garden is the only source for the supply of fruits for their families, and is usually planted with the more rare, perishable, and valuable sorts that cannot so easily be procured in market. The pleasure and profit derived from fruit plantations, 158 PERMANENT PLANTATIONS. under any or all of these circumstances, depend upon the judicious selection of soil, situation, trees, and va- rieties, and their proper arrangement and management. These are the essential points, and every man who con templates planting to a greater or less extent, should avail himself of all the light which experience has shed upon these various branches of the subject, before making the first movement towards the execution of his project. Section 2.—TnHe OrcHARD. The orchard is distinguished from the fruit garden in this, that the trees planted in it are generally of the larg- est size to which the species attain; they are grown in the natural, or, as it is called, standard form, without any particular training, and the varieties are generally the most hardy and productive of the species. 1. The situation of an orchard with regard to exposure or aspect, requires very little consideration in some parts of the country. Where, as in Western New York for in- stance, the winters dre uniform, or comparatively so, in temperature, and late spring frosts do not prevail, the main difficulties to guard against are the prevailing high winds from the west and ‘north that injure the blossoms and blow off the fruit before it is mature. If possible, a situation should be chosen where some natural obstacle, as a hill or a belt of woods, would break the force and influence of these destructive winds. Where no such obstacle naturally exists, a belt or border of rapid grow- ing trees, such as soft maples, white pines, and Abeles, should be planted simultaneously with the planting of the orchard, that they may grow up and form a protec- tion by the time the trees have come into bearing. In other sections, as in some of the central and south- ern counties of New York, and in some parts of Ohio, THE ORCHARD. 159 Illinois, Wisconsin, and others of the western as well as in the southern States, where late and fatal spring frosts prevail, the selection of a situation is a most important point. In such localities an eastern and southern expo- sure, and low grounds, are to be avoided. John J. Thomas, in his Fruit Culturist, states that, ‘* In the valley of the Conhocton, which is flanked by hills five hundred feet high, peach trees have been completely killed to the ground, but on one of the neighboring hills, five hundred feet above, and probably twelve hundred feet above the level of the sea, an orchard planted in good soil yields regular crops. In the town of Spencer, Tioga County, near the head of Cayuga inlet, peaches have with- stood the climate and done well at an elevation of seven hundred feet above Cayuga Lake.” Lawrence Young, Esq., Chairman of the Kentucky Fruit Committee, reported to the Pomological Convention at Cincinnati, in 1850, the case of an orchard in that State, lying within the peach district, occupying the slopes of hills of no great height, inclining gently toward a river distant only a few hundred yards. Its success was that common to a fickle-western climate—a fruit year and a failure, or perhaps two years of productiveness and three of disappointment in every five. Within five miles of this orchard, however, is located a hill six hundred feet high, upon which the peach crop has not failed since he first knew it. Numerous other instances are quoted and the particulars given with great accuracy, showing the effects of even very slight eleva- tions. : Among others is an instance of the heath-peach bearing a full crop in one part of an orchard, whilst in another part thirty feet lower, the same variety bore not a single fruit. Multitudes of such cases might be collected in all parts of the country where the climate is variable, because 160 PERMANENT PLANTATIONS. in such situations vegetation is earlier excited than in those more elevated and colder, and frosts always fall more heavily on low than on high grounds. Every one who has paid the slightest attention to the action of frost on vegetation is aware, that even an elevation of two or three feet of one portion of the same field or garden above the other frequently proves a protection from an untimely frost. Ina dry and firm soil, vegetation is more exempt from inju- ries by frost than in a damp, soft, and spongy soil on the same level, not only because trees on such soils are more mature and hardier in their parts, but because the soil and the atmosphere above it are less charged with watery par- ticles that attract the frost. Bodies of water that do not freeze in winter, such as some of our inland lakes, exert a favorable influence for a considerable distance from their margins in protecting vegetation from late spring and early autumn frosts. In some parts of the West, as in Wisconsin and Illinois, the winters are so variable—during the day as mild as spring, and in the night the mercury falling many degrees Belay zero—that even apple and pear trees in soft, dare and rich soils, are frequently killed to the ground. In such localities, experience has taught cultivators that elevated, dry, firm, and moderately rich soil, that will produce a firm, well-matured growth, is the only safeguard against the destruction of plantations in the winter. In all localities where fruit culture has made any considerable progress, there is generally experience enough to be found, if carefully sought for and collected, to guide beginners in fixing upon sites for orchards; and no man should venture to plant without giving due attention to the subject, and availing himself of all the experience of his neighbors; for experience, after all, is the only truly reliable guide. THE ORCHARD. 161 2d. The Soil—Having treated already of the different characters and modes of amelioration of soils, it is only necessary here to point out what particular qualities or kinds are best adapted to the different classes of fruit trees, as far as experience will warrant inso doing. There are soils of a certain texture and quality, in which, by proper management, all our hardy fruits may be grown to perfection. For instance, the soil of our specimen orchard, which is that usually termed a sanily loam, with a sandy clay subsoil, so dry that it can be worked imme- diately after a rain of twenty-four hours. On this we have apples, pears, plums, cherries, peaches, apricots, and, indeed, all the fruits planted promiscuously, side by side, not by choice but necessity, and all these yield bountiful crops of the finest fruit every season, and that, so far, without any special attention in the way of manures or composts. Our country abounds in such soils, and others somewhat different in character, but equally eligible for all fruit trees when well managed. On the other hand, there are soils wholly unfit for fruit trees of any kind— such are peaty or mucky, and damp, cold, and spongy soils. For an orchard of apples or pears, a dry, deep, substantial soil, between sandy and a clayey loam, and possessing among its inorganic parts a considerable portion of lime, is, according to all experience, the best.* On such soils we tind the greatest and most enduring vigor and fertility, the healthiest and hardiest trees, and the fairest and best- flavored fruits. Trees both of apples and pears, planted on such soils in western New York, upwards of fifty * The ashes of the bark of apple trees disclose the fact, that in one hundred parts upwards of fifty arelime. In the sapwood eighteen of lime, seventeen of phosphate of lime (similar to bone earth), and sixteen of potash. In the heart or perfect wood, thirty-seven of lime. In the ashes of the sapwood of the pear of one hundred parts, twelve of lime, twenty- seven phosphate of lime, and twenty-two of potash. In the ash of the bark, thirty of lime. 162 PERMANENT PLANTATIONS. years ago, are, at this day, in the very height of their vigor and productiveness, without having received more than the most ordinary culture. In some of these soils, where the pear and apple flourish so well, and endure so long, the peach does not succeed at all. The reason is, it is too stiff and compact. The plum succeeds best, as a general thing, on a clayey loam, rather stiff. The eR or native plum, however, eas well on very light soils. The. cherry, the peach, apricot, nectarine, and almond, require a light, dry, and . warm soil, and will not succeed on any other. The best and most enduring peach orchards are on dry, sandy loams ; but good orchards are raised with proper manage- ment on loose, light sands, though on such the trees are shorter lived, and require constant care in the way of dressings of manure and compost. There are two points to be observed in regard to soils under all circumstances. They must possess the inorganic substances, such as lime, potash, etc., that constitute a large portion of the ashes of the wood and bark when burned, and a sufficient amount of organic matter, vegetable mould, which dis- solves and furnishes material for the formation and growth of new parts. When large and permanent plan- tations are to be made, it will well repay the trouble and expense of procuring the analysis of the soil, in order to ascertain somewhat correctly its merits and defects. People who have been long engaged in the culture of the soil, can judge pretty correctly of its quality by its appearance, texture, subsoil, and the character of the rocks and stones that underlie and prevail in it; but the inexperienced do not understand such indications, and will do well to have recourse to a careful analysis by some competent person. 3d. Preparation of Soil for an Orchard—The season before planting, the soil should be at least twzce ploughed THE ORCHARD. 163 with a common and subsoil plough, enriched with suitable composts, and drained, if necessary. It should be eighteen inches to two feet deep, and quite dry. 4th. Encloswres.—Before a tree is planted, it is neces- sary that the ground be enclosed with a fence, sutticient to protect it against the invasion of animals. It is no un- common thing to hear people regret that the cattle broke into the orchard and destroyed many trees. Indeed it fre. quently happens that more damage is done in this way than, if duly estimated, would have fenced the whole orchard. There is much inquiry now-a-days on the subject of fences, and various plans and materials are suggested and tried. Live hedges are unquestionably the most orna- mental and appropriate enclosures for extensive planta- tions of fruit trees, and in time will no doubt be generally adopted. Hitherto the failure of many plants tried, and the cost and difficulty of obtaining others, have retarded their introduction. Experience, however, has at length pretty fairly decided that the Osage orange is the best for the west and south west, and the buckthorn for the north and east. The seeds of both these plants are now easily procured, and plants of them may be obtained in nurseries at $5 or $6 per 1000, and about-2000 will fence an acre of ground, setting the plants twelve inches apart in two rows six inches apart, which is the strongest way. A single row at six inches apart will make a good fence with pro- per shearing to thicken them at the bottom; either way they will make a beautiful and efficient hedge in five or six years. The honey locust is also a strong, hardy, rapid growing plant, and makes a hedge in three or four years that animals will be afraid to look at. It is sometimes objected to hedges that they harbor birds, but it is to be remembered that birds are the natural foes of insects, and never failto accomplish a vast amount of labor for the good of the fruit grower, for which they ought to be fully 164 | PERMANENT PLANTATIONS. entitled to a participation in his enjoyments. As the fea- thered race are persecuted and driven away from our gar- dens, insects become more numerous and destructive ; at least this is the experience of most people, and should lessen, if not entirely prevent, the cruel hostility that is continually waged against them. 5th.—Selection of Varieties of Fruits for an Orchard.— This is a most important point; the selection of varieties must in all cases be made with reference to the uses to which they are to be appropriated. The family orchard of the far- mer, we will suppose to contain apple trees alone, as all the other fruits are, or ought to be, grown in the fruit garden. His selection of varieties must be adapted to his wants and circumstances. In the first place, the number of his family must regulate the proportion of kitchen and table varieties. In the second place, he must consider how many he will want for sauce, how many for baking and drying, how many for cider, and how many for the dessert, and what proportion of sweet and of acid. These are all considerations that depend upon the habits, taste, and mode of living of families, and for which no man can provide, or suggest, but the planter himself. Then, again, he must consider to what extent it may be advantageous to feed apples to his stock, and provide for it accordingly. Without considering well all these points, a man may sit down and select what are called “the best varie- ties,” and yet find himself badly suited when they come to bear; for so it happens that a variety that may be best for the dessert will be exceedingly unprofitable for other purposes. A hardy, vigorous, and productive variety of medium quality, quite unfit for the table, may be infi- nitely more advantageous for feeding stock, than a feeble growing, shy bearing variety, quite indispensable for the lessert; and an apple may be excellent for sauce, for bak- THE ORCHARD. 165 ing, or drying, and unfit for the dessert; these points should all be duly considered. The Market or Commercial Orchardist must exercise the same discrimination in the selection of his varieties, adapting them to the mode of culture he intends to pur- sue and the market he intends to supply. In the imme- diate vicinity of large cities and towns, where the or- chardist may carry his fruit to market in a few hours, the most profitable culture will, generally speaking, be summer and early autumn fruits, or such as require to be consumed immediately after maturity, and are unfit for distant transportation. arly apples and pears only will be profitable for him, because the autumn and winter va- rieties can be sent so easily from the most distant portions of the interior with such facilities as our present system of railroads, plank roads, canals, and steamboats afford. In addition to early apples and pears, his position gives him great advantages for the profitable culture of all the stone fruits, gooseberries, currants, raspberries, grapes, and such soft fruits, when intended to be disposed of in a raw state. ~The Market grower of the interior will find his most profitable culture to be principally, autwmn and winter apples and pears, to which he may add qguinces; because all these can be packed and transported toa great dis- tance with safety, and the comparative cheapness of his lands enables him to compete advantageously with those more favorably situated in regard to market. Ile can only cultivate the summer fruits with a view to drying or preserving, or for the supply of a local demand. All orchard fruits, intended for profitable orchard culture, should be jirst, in regard to the trees, hardy, vigorous, and productive. The fruits should be of good size, fair appearance, good keepers, and of good quality. It should 166 PERMANENT PLANTATIONS. be borne in mind that many of the very best fruits are very unprofitable for general market culture. Under cer- tain circumstances this may not be the case, as for exam- ple, in the neighborhood of such a city as London, or ‘aris, or even Vew York or Boston. x \ Sgp~-—-—-—-=-- ep ria " : ’ 7s en ee 4 fan oe ee ee ee aa ea oe Pa 4 10 20 20 40 30 100 FT. ee ee Fig. $3, square planting. Fig. 94, quincunx planting. in the next. In this way, although the trees are at equal distances, there is a larger clear area around each tree. In fig. 94, the square form, every tree stands in the corner of a square in the centre of, and equally distant frow four others. In the quincunx, every tree stands in the angle of a triangle of equal sides, and in the centre of, and equally distant from s¢# others. Thus, in the latter, THE ORCHARD. 169 there is a greater space left for the admission of light and air, and trees so planted may be at less distances than in the other. The operation of planting is more compli- eated than that of the square, the rows not being the same distance apart as the trees are in the row. The first thing to be done is to find the two measures. Sup- pose, for instance, we propose to plant a plot of ground one hundred feet square, and to have the trees twenty- five feet apart every way, we make a triangle of wood, A, B,D, each side of which is twenty-five feet; we then measure the distance from the angle & to the centre of the opposite side at C, and this gives us the distance be- tween the rows, which will be about twenty-one feet. This will be called the smal/ measure; and with this we measure off on two sides the distances for the rows, and put down a stake at each. We then commence on the first row, and with the long (twenty-five feet) measure mark off the places for the trees, and put down a stake to each. The measurements must be made with exactness, in order to have the plantation present a regular appear- ance, as in fig. 94. 8th. Selection of Trees for the Market or Commercial Orchard—The remarks made in reference to the selec- tion of standard trees for the family orchard, may be applied with equal propriety to these; but the orchardist must be supposed to have invested a considerable amount of capital, and probably devotes his entire attention to his trees, and depends upon them for his support. It is, therefore, a great object with him to have early returns in the form of products. An orchard of standard apples will not produce any considerable quantity of fruit before the eighth or tenth year, nor pears before the twelfth or fifteenth year. In the mean time, it is highly desirable to occupy the ground amongst the trees in some way that will at least bear the expenses of cultivation. If this 8 170 PERMANENT PLANTATIONS. can be done, it is as much as can be expected in the - usual practice of cultivating root crops. The most pro- fitable manner of turning to account the spaces between the standard trees for the first ten or twelve years at least, is to plant them with dwarf and pyramidal trees, or dwarf standards, that will commence bearing the third or fourth year after planting. This is the course pursued by the orchardists of France and Belgium, where land is valuable, and the cultivators are compelled to turn every inch of it to the best account. Attention has been slightly called to’ this mode of management in this country, and a few persons have already carried it into practice. As soon as it comes to be considered, it cannot fail to recommend itself to those who are embarking extensively in the orchard culture of fruits for the market, on high-priced lands. It is only surprising that it should have been so long overlooked by shrewd and enterprising orchardists. An acre of land, for example, planted with standard apple trees, at thirty feet apart, contains forty-five to fifty; and if we fill wp the spaces with dwarfs on paradise, at six feet apart, leaving ten feet clear around each standard, we get in about five hundred dwarf trees. These will bear the third year, and during the next five years the average value of their products will be at least twenty to fifty cents each. We would plant them in such a way that the plough and cultivator could be used among them, two dwarfs be- tween each standard, and two full rows between each row of standards, as in fig. 95. In very rich and deep soil, when it may be necessary to give the standards thirty-five or forty feet, there may be two pyramidal, or low standards, on the Doucain stock between two standards, and one row of pyramids and two rows of dwarfs between two rows of standards THE ORCHARD. 17t In seven or eight years the dwarfs might be taken out, and the pyramids remain till the twelfth year. Orchards of standard pears may, in the same manner, be filled up with dwarf and pyramidal trees on the quince. Standard pears do not require so much space as apples, their branches generally are more erect. In this country i oe = ae a drag a earing state. and second, already described, until the tree has attained 220 PRUNING. its full size. Fig. 109 represents a dwarf apple tree, four years old, three times pruned—the two last prunings are indicated by the letters a and 0. Management of the Bearing Tree-—In most cases the apple on the paradise is disposed to excessive fruitfulness, and unless the fruit branches be occasionally thinned and shortened, in order to reduce the number of bearing buds, and to produce new wood, the trees become enfee- bled. Bad management of this kind has promulgated the belief that the apple on the paradise is exceed- ingly short-lived ; but the fact that plantations exists in the most perfect vigor at the end of twelve to fifteen years after planting, shows that by proper treatment their exist- ence is not so fleeting. The spurs must be managed in a manner similar to that described in treating of pyramids, to renew them, and the slender fruit branches must be short- ened. This, in addition to the manuring to be hereafter described, constitutes the substance of their management. The Pruning and Management of the Apple and Pear as espaliers.—In the cool, moist climate of England, this is a popular and advantageous method of training apples and pears. The specimens of this kind in public and private gardens there, are admirable in their way, and illustrate the skill and handiwork of the English gardener very favorably. But our climate is not suitable as a gen- eral thing for espaliers; the branches are so exposed’ to the rays of our powerful sun, that the sap is impeded in its circulation, and the fruits fall. It is, therefore, un- necessary to enter into any detail respecting this mode of training; but there may be situations where such a sys- tem may succeed, and especially in the north. The best espalier form for the apple and pear, is that of the hor zontal, that is, an upright central stem, with horizontal arms or branches at equal distances on both sides (fig. 110). The production of this tree depends in the main THE APPLE AND THE PEAR. 921 on the same principles as the pyramid, and does not re- quire illustration. The young tree is cut back to within six inches of the ground. From the shoots produced be- Fie. 110. Pear tree trained horizontally. low that point, three are selected, the upper one to form the upright leader or stem, and two lateral or side ones to form the two first arms. The first season these shoots are allowed to grow upright and are kept in equal vigor. At the commencement of the second season, they are all cut back far enough, say one third to one half their length, or even more in some cases, to ensure the growth of all the buds. | The upper shoot on each is selected for a leader, and the others are pinched at two inches or less. After the pruning, the arms are brought down half way to a hori- zontal position, and towards the latter end of the season, wholly. An uniformity of growth among all the parts is maintained according to the means and principles already laid down, and year after year the tree is thus treated until the requisite height and number of horizontal arms or branches be obtained. In the case of very vigorous growing sorts the leader may be stopped in June, and thus a second pair of arms be produced in one year. The upright leader and the branches are treated in a similar manner—a difference in vigor always requiring a corres- ponding difference in treatment. For espaliers, the apple should be on the paradise or Doucain, and the pear on 299, PRUNING. the quince, because these stocks all diminish the vigor of wood growth, which is often the chief difficulty in man- aging trained trees. The aspect for these trees should never be due south. A railing to train such trees on, is made of upright posts sunk in the ground, and connected with cross bars, at eight to twelve inches apart, upon which the arms of the espalier are fastened with willow or bass matting. Mr. Rivers, in his “ Miniature Fruit Garden,” exhibits a sys- tem of growing pears in espalier, in the form of pyramids, as adopted by himself. I saw these trees when in Eng- land, in 1849, and although it appeared a very ingenious and economical arrangement, admitting a great number of varieties in a small space, and besides very well adapted to an English climate, yet it did not appear to offer any advantages that would warrant its recommendation in this country, unless under rare circumstances in the most northern sections. Whoever will study attentively the means described for conducting a pyramid, can suc- ceed fully in training the espaliers or wall pyramid. Section 2.—Prunine AND TRAINING THE QUINCE. As ordinarily grown, the quince is the most neglected, and consequently, the most unsightly, deformed tree to be found in the orchard or garden, and yet, when well treated, it is really, both when in blossom and in fruit, one of the most beautiful of all our fruit trees. Its fruit is more esteemed, and more generally used in this than in any other country. It is naturally a crooked or spreading bush, and without some attention to pruning and training when young, it assumes an irregular form, branching near the ground, and quite destitute of bearing wood on all its lower and interior parts. It is in this neglected form we most generally find it. To make a regular and handsome THE QUINCE. 923 little tree, we have only, in the first place, to rear a straight and stout trunk about two or three feet high. If the plants be weak or crooked when planted, they should be cut low down to obtain a stout and straight stem. The young shoot should be kept tied up to a stake to prevent it from straggling. The second year, if the growth has been vigorous, and low trees are desired, the head may be commenced. But if,a stem three or four feet high be desired, it should be at least one inch in diameter, and another year’s growth may be necessary. - The head is formed in the same manner as described for standard and dwarf apples and pears. It should be * round, symmetrical, and open, and well furnished on all parts with bearing wood. The bearing branches or spurs of the quince are small twiggy shoots (B, fig. 111), produced on wood at least two years old. ff These bear two, three, { or more fruit buds. These produce shoots two or three inches long (C, fig. 111), on the point of which the fruit is borne singly. These spurs have al- ways wood buds as well as fruit buds, and there- fore they should be Be kiy shortened back as to a A, fig. 111, the spring Fig. 11. after they have home, ,2futbrnshot ine ance 0 ie soc Pre in order to produce new should be cut back after bearing. spurs at the same point. Q24 PRUNING. The French conduct it in beautiful pyramids, on pre- cisely the same principle as the pear and apple; but the leading shoot must be kept fastened to an upright sup- port—a small rod attached to the base—on account of its reclining habit. The medlar is but little cultivated. Its treatment may be exactly similar to that described for the quince, its habits of growth and bearing being similaz. Section 3.—PruniInG THE CHERRY. - The cherry is conducted in any desirable form witk as much facility as any of all our hardy fruit trees. The heart and bigarreau classes are very rapid growers, often attaining the height of six feet the first season from the bud or graft, and in two years forming fine standard trees six to seven feet high, with a few top shoots. They have also large, drooping leaves,and, with few exceptions, stiff, erect, or slightly curved branches. The duke class does not grow so rapidly. The branches are stiff and erect, the leaves smaller as a general thing than the preceding classes, more erect, thicker, and of a deeper, darker green color. The morellos are of a bushy habit, with smaller leaves than any of the preceding classes, and the branches are more slender and closer together. The bark of all is very tough, being composed of several layers of powerful fibres and tissue. It does not yield readily, like that of most other fruit trees, to the expansion or growth of the wood, and this occasions the bursting and exuding of gum in certain localities, especially in the more rapid growing classes. The mode of bearing has already been deseribed under the head of fruit branches, in the beginning of the work. The fruit is produced on wood three years old thus: The shoot of last year’s growth, which is furnished now with leaf buds in all its length, will produce at the THE CHERRY. 225 point, if not shortened, one or more shoots, and all the buds remaining are, during the season, transformed into clusters of fruit buds, and produce fruit the year follow- ing. In the centre of these clusters of fruit buds there is always a wood bud, and this grows a little and produces new clusters of fruit buds to replace those that have borne. Some of the morellos produce fruit on two-year- old wood, like the peach, the leaf buds being transformed into fruit buds. During the second growth of the first season of their formation, the fruit bud is very easily distinguished from the leaf bud by its roundness and plumpness. Pruning the Cherry as a Standard —In Western New York the cherry succeeds so well, and is so totally exempt from the bursting of the bark, that trees can be grown safely with trunks five or six feet high; but in the West, when this malady prevails, the less there be of a naked trunk the better; for it is the trunk and large branches that are generally so affected. As a standard, the cherry requires very little pruning. | To form around open head—We wil take for exam- ple a young tree two years old, having three or four top branches. These at the time of planting should be cut back to within four or five buds of their base, and when growth has commenced, the requisite number of shoots, say four or five, to form the framework of the head are selected, evenly distributed on all sides, and all the others pinched or rubbed off. The following season these shoots may again be short- ened to produce secondary branches to fill up spaces, and those arising in the centre should be pinched out, for the head must be kept open and accessible to the sun and light. In about three years of such treatment, the head of the tree assumes a permanent form, and thereafter, may be left to itself, except to remove occasionally branches 4°" 226 PRUNING. that may cross or interfere with one another. Our stand- ard trees here are in the best possible condition, and have not had a knife on them, except to cut scions for budding or grafting, in seven years. Pyramidal Headed Standards.—Certain varieties, for instance, Sparhawk’s Honey, Downer’s, China Bigarreau, Black Tartarian, Black Heart, and some others, make | fine pyramidal shaped heads without pruning, more than to give the leader its due superiority at the beginning, and to remove afterwards crossing and superfiuous branches. Such varieties as the Yellow Spanish, Black Eagle, Knight’s Ey. Black, Elton, and all the spreading sorts, should have round open heads built upon three or four main branches as described. Pruning the Cherry as a Pyramid.—tThe same process recommended for the pyramidal training of the pear and apple, may be applied with complete success to the cherry. We have now in our specimen grounds a collection of all the classes trained, according to the method described, and their condition is in every respect satisfactory ; they have all given fruit the third year. In most cases the trees were taken from the nursery rows at the end of their first season’s growth from the bud. Some had no side branches, and others had. It is very common for cherries and especially the Dukes and Morel- los to form a number of lateral branches the first season. Growth becomes slightly suspended, or at least goes on very slowly in July; during this time the buds on the lower part acquire a sort of maturity, and when a new growth commences they push and form shoots. Cherry trees of this kind are in a good condition for pyramids. We select from these the strongest and best situated to form the lower tier of permanent branches ; the lower ones are shortened to four or five buds, and the upper ones to two or three. The leader or stem is cut back to within THE CHERRY. 927 six, eight, or ten buds of the branches. Those having no branches are cut back to within six or eight buds of the stock. And this is the first pruning. Treatment during the first Summer after Pruning. — When the young shoots have grown a couple of inches in length, such as are intended for permanent branches are chosen, and the others are pinched in the same manner as recommended for pears and apples. Such as acquire more vigor than is consistent with their position, must be checked. It frequently happens that unless the leader has been cut back close, only three or four shoots will be produced at the extremity, leaving a vacant space below. This can be remedied in most cases by pinching the shoots around the leader when they have grown about an inch. In some cases it may be necessary even to check the leader to force the lower buds into growth. This is a point of considerable importance in conducting a pyramid, and should never be lost sight of. The Cherry as an Espalier—Except it be the training of the morello, or some other late varieties, on a north wall to prolong their season of maturity, the cherry is sel- dom grown as an espalier tree in this country, nor is it to be recommended except in some rare instances. The simplest and probably the best form is that suggested for pears and apples, an upright stem with horizontal branches. To produce this the same means are employed as have been previously described. If the tree has no side branches proper for the first arms, it must be cut back to within six inches of the ground, and from the shoots pro- duced below that, one is selected for the leader, and one on each side for the first horizontal branches; the other shoots are pinched off. At the next pruning, the Jeader is again shortened to produce another pair of side branches eight or ten inches from the first ; the leader is continued in an upright direction, and the side branches are brought 228 PRUNING. half way down in midsummer, and at the following spring pruning they are placed in the horizontal position. The leading shoot of rapid growing sorts may be stopped about the end of June, and this will produce side shoots from which another pair of arms may be taken, and thus gain a year in the formation of the tree, or covering the wall or trellis. For weak growing sorts, the fan form or some modi- fication of it would, perhaps, be more suitable than the horizontal, as it offers less restraint to the circulation of the sap in the branches. The Cherry asa Dwarf or Bush—The slow growing sorts, such as the dukes and morellos, when worked on the mahaleb stock, make very pretty and very easily man- aged prolific bushes, and by occasional root pruning they may be confined to as small a space as a dwarf apple tree. To produce this form, the young tree is cut back to within five or six buds of its base; and from the shoots produced below that, four or five evenly distributed around the tree are selected for the permanent branches or frame-work of the tree. The others are rubbed off. At the next pruning the branches thus produced are shortened to produce secondary branches; and thus it is treated from year to year until the tree is formed and full grown. The branches must be kept far enough apart to admit the sun and air freely amongst them. When the tree is five or six years old, if it grows too vigorously, requiring more space than can be given it, the larger roots may be shortened in July or August, or in the winter. This and the pyramid, and the dwarf standard, with stems two feet high, are the most eligible garden forms for the cherry.* * Mr. Rivers states in his “ Miniature Fruit Garden,’ that he has a plant of the late duke cherry ten years old, that never was root-pruned, and yet is a smal] prolific tree, five feet in height, and the branches the same in THE PEACH. 929 The dwarf standard is treated precisely as the dwarf, and differs from it only in having two feet instead of six or eight inches of stem. In pruning and training the cherry, it should always be borne in mind that when large branches are removed, it is lable to suffer from the gum, and, therefore, the regulation of the shoots should be carefully attended to in summer, that amputations of woody parts may be avoided as far as possible. When it is necessary, however, the cut surface heals more rapidly and surely when made in the summer, during the growing season. Section 4.—Prouninc AND MANAGEMENT OF THE PEACH. The peach is universally regarded as the most delicious fruit of our climate, and ranks in importance for orchard culture next to the apple and the pear. Nowhere in the world is it produced in such quantities, and with so little labor, as in America. An English or -French gardener will expend more labor on a single tree, than the majority of our orchardists do upon one hundred. Our favorable climate obviates a multitude of difficulties that have to be contended with in other countries, and renders unneces- sary the minute and laborious systems of management which they find it absolutely necessary to pursue. But this very excellence of our climate has given rise to a most negligent and defective system of cultivation, as is everywhere illustrated in the condition of orchards. The peach, of all other trees, is one that, from its mode of growth and bearing, requires constant pruning to maintain it in a shapely, thrifty, and productive state. The sap tends powerfully to the extremities of the shoots, diameter. We have in our specimen grounds trees of several dukes and morellos, six years old, on mahaleb stocks, not over four or five feet high, and pictures of fruitfulness. 230 PRUNING. more so than in any other fruit tree. The buds that do not push and form shoots the first season after their for- mation, are lost; they cannot, as in most other trees, be excited into growth; and hence it is that the lower parts become so rapidly denuded of young wood, and that trees left to themselves for six or seven years are in a measure worn out and worthless. The fruit is borne only on wood of the preceding year (see fruit branches), and every part destitute of such wood must be worthless; consequently one of the great objects of pruning is to keep all parts of the tree fur- nished with a regular and constant succession of annual bearing shoots. This fact must never be lost sight of. The case of a single shoot will illustrate the influence of pruning and its necessity. By referring to the fruit branch, it will be seen that it is furnished with a certain number of wood buds and fruit buds. At the base there are always one or two wood buds at least. Now, if that shoot were not pruned, all the fruit buds on it would probably produce fruit—one, two, or three of the wood buds at the top would make new shoots ; these would necessarily be very weak in consequence of the number of fruit below them. At the end of the season there would be a long, vacant space, entirely des- titute of a young shoot or a living bud. This is the way that the interior and lower parts of trees become so soon degarnished. But when that shoot is shortened, we will say one half, the sap is retained in its lower parts, one half of the fruit buds are removed, and the consequence is that large and fine fruits are obtained from those remaining ; young vigorous shoots are produced from the lower buds to bear next year, and take the place of those which have already borne. In this way regular uniform crops of THE PEACH. 231 large and fine fruit are obtained, and a constant succession of young shoots is kept up. To form the head of a standard Poaed Tree—We will suppose it the intention to form a standard tree, with a trunk two feet in height, and a round, open, and sym- metrical head like fig. 112. We take a yearling tree and cut it back to within two feet and a half of the ground in the spring. Below this cut a certain number of shoots will be produced, from which three will be selected to form the main branches or frame-work of the head. All the others are rub- bed off when two or three inches long or sooner. At the end of the season we have a tree with three branches. Fie 112. The second year these three Form of a low standard peacn branches are cut back full one ty Vina open ti eg half their length, and from each we take a shoot to continue the branch, and one to form a secondary branch. The other shoots produced below these are pinched or checked to prevent them from inter- fering with the growth of the leading branches. In the fall of the year we have a tree with six leading branches, and some bearing shoots below on the older wood. The third year each of these six branches is short ened one half, in order to obtain more secondary branches, and some fruit branches on the lower parts. All young shoots on the old wood, whether fruit branches or not, should be cut back one half, or as far as may be necessary, to cause the wood buds at their base to push, and make shoots to bear next year. The formation of the head goes on as described for two or three years more, when it is complete; for peach trees, 232 PRUNING. properly pruned, do not assume such wide-spreading forms as they do naturally. The main branches and secondary branches should be at equal distances throughout, and far enough apart to give the bearing wood on their sides the full benefit of the sun and air. An equality of vigor should also be preserved amongst them by summer pinching. It is not uncommon to see a very vigorous shoot start up in a peach tree, and appro- priate so much of the sap as to injure a whole branch ; these should be checked the moment their character is observed, unless they may be wanted to fill a vacancy. Every part of the branches should be furnished with bearing shoots, and these should, every spring, be short- ened in one half or more, to produce others at their base, whilst those that have borne are cut out. Some people imagine that when they have taken a pair of hedge shears, or some such instrument, and shorn off the ends of the shoots on the outside of the tree indis- criminately, they are “shortening in,” and so they are, as they would a hedge! Some of the shoots are cut away entirely, fruit buds and all, whilst ‘others remain untouched, and the tree becomes like a brush on the out- side and naked within. This is almost as bad as the let- alone system. Every shoot should be cut separately. The most expeditious instrument for doing this, is a pair of light hand-pruning shears, such as the French secateur (see instruments). A person accustomed to its use can prune every shoot on a full-grown tree in an almost in- credibly short space of time, as compared with that re- quired with the knife. Extensive orchardists may be deterred from such a labor, looking to the cost; but if they will engage quick, active, intelligent persons to do the work, and estimate the increased value of the fruit, THE PEACH. 233 and longevity and beauty of their trees, there can be no doubt but it will be found a paying investment. Loot Pruning.—In gardens where the soil is rich, and trees very full of vigor, disposed to grow too much and bear too little, root pruning should be practised once in two or three years—the first lightly, removing only the ends of the large feeding roots. The safest time to do it is between the fall of the leaf and the opening of spring. Vegetation in the peach seldom becomes sufficiently inactive during the growing season, to enable the roots to be pruned with safety. The Peach im the form of a vase-—Among all the forms in which trees are conducted, this is, when well done, one of the most graceful. It consists of a short stem two to five feet, according to fancy, with a head composed of three or four main branches, and two or three times that number of second- ary branches, all trained by means of light stakes at first, and afterwards wire or wooden hoops in the form of a vase or goblet. The branches are arranged in a circle, with bearing shoots filling up the spaces. No shoots are permitted either in the interior or in front that is project- ing from the exterior surface of the goblet. The most beautiful trees of this form are to be seen in the gardens of the Luxembourg, at Paris, and elsewhere in France. Mr. Louis Gaudry, who has a very pretty little plan- tation in Paris, and who has published a small work on pruning and training trees, gives the annexed cut as a representation of one of his vase peach trees of eight years’ growth (fig. 113). The following is the substance of his mode of conducting them. First Pruning—tvhe stem of the yearling tree is cut back to the point at which it is desired to commence the head to three buds, forming a triangle and as nearly as 934 PRUNING. possible of the same height. Three shoots are obtained from these three buds to form the first or main branches Fie. 118. Peach tree 1n the form of a vase, with four main branches, each having several secondary branches. The stem in the figure is five feet, but should not exceed two. . THE PEACH. 935 or frame-work of the vase. To favor the growth of these, all the shoots produced below them are rubbed off. In order to give them the proper inclination, three small stakes are inserted in the ground, to which the three branches are fastened; it is supposed that if these stakes be sunk as far from the base of the tree as the roots extend, and in an upright position, there will be a sufficient opening or space in the centre. The branches should be thus brought out about August, so that the for- mation of new layers of wood subsequent to that time may fix them in their places. The side shoots, which are produced on the young branches, towards the latter part of the season, designated by the French bowrgeons anticipés, are pinched to one or two leaves. 2d. Pruning.—tThe spring following, the branches are loosed from the stakes, and shortened to six or eight inches of their base, to a leaf bud on the outside or front of the branch, and with a bud below it, either on the right or left side. The front bud continues the main branch, and the side bud forms a secondary branch. The three branches are pruned in this way, taking care that the secondary branch on each is on the same side, so that two of them cannot come in contact. To favor the growth of these new shoots, all those situated below them that acquire too much vigor, must be pinched at three or four leaves. A wooden hoop may now be placed in the centre, to which the branches are attached to keep them in their places. In this way the tree progresses; every year one or more secondary branches are produced, the main branches increase in length, and fruit shoots are produced on all the intervals of the branches, on their two sides. All shoots that push either inside or in front of the vase aye pinched off, and pinching is practised at all times to maintain equal growth between the different parts, and to check any too great tendency of the sap to the extremities. 236 PRUNING. Thard pruning.—The fruit branches are pruned to three or four buds, to induce the lower wood buds to push and form new wood for the next season. The main branches are cut back to ten or twelve inches above the previous pruning, to a bud on the front to con- tinue the branch; the buds selected to produce another series of secondary branches, must all be on the side oppo- site the previous ones. If the position of the buds renders this impossible, then they may all be chosen on the same side as the first. The hoops this year will require to be larger in dia- meter than the preceding, in order to give increased width to the vase as it proceeds upwards. All the other opera- tions are conducted in the same manner. The hoops in- side are placed within six to eight inches of one another, and the circular branches within twelve to fifteen inches. As the tree advances in age, the growth may become too vigorous at the top; and in this case, the main branches, always the most vigorous, must be pruned short, and even pinched during summer, to turn the sap to the benefit of the weaker parts. . These are the main points in the management of these vases. It may be added, that the apple, pear, cherry, and indeed all other trees may be grown in this form, and by the same means, varying it only to suit different modes of growth and bearing, and degrees of vigor. The Peach as an Espalier—Espalier training will never be practised in this country to any very great extent, and therefore it may be considered, in comparison with open ground systems, unimportant. Yet there are some dis- tricts not so favorabiy situated as to be able to produce peaches, apricots, and nectarines, in the open ground. For these a proper system of espalier training is impor- tant, because in this form trees are easily protected from THE PEACH. _ 937 winter or spring frosts, and they ripen their fruits per- fectly, where open ground or standard trees would not. The Peach as an Expalier trained on a wall or trellis — There are a multitude of forms for espalier trees where training on walls or trellises is necessarily and extensively practised, as in England and France. The great requi- sites in a wall tree are, jirst, to have all the wall covered; and, second, to have the different parts of the tree alike favorably placed, with reference to its growth. Next to these are simplicity and naturalness. The most popular form in England is that called the Fig. 114. Fan-shaped Espalier. Jan (fig. 114). In it the branches are spread out so as to resemble a fan; the lower ones are nearly or quite hori- zontal; the next- more oblique; and so they proceed until the centre ones are quite upright, and this appears to be the defect of this form; for the horizontal branches cannot maintain such a vigor as those more erect above them. The square espalier, invented by M. Fretrx Mato, of France, and now extensively practised by some of the best peach growers of the celebrated town of Montreuil, seems to possess more advantages, all in all, than any other. The “ Bon Jardinier,” from which the following description of the method of conducting these trees is 238 PRUNING. taken, says: “This generally approved form begins to find imitators, and it is probable that one day it will be adopted by all intelligent gardeners.” Lrst year.—We will begin with a peach tree one year from the bud, and cut it down to within six or eight inches, or three or four buds of the stock. From the buds produced below the cut, two of the strongest are chosen, one on each side, to form the two main branches—branches mere; all the other shoots are destroyed, and these two are allowed to grow upright, and in the fall they will be three to four feet high. Second year (fig. 115).—In the spring, when hard frosts are no longer apprehend- a f ed, the branches are ex- ‘ FS amined to see if they be ; sound and healthy, free from bruises, insects, ete., Fig. 116. Fig. 116. end they are tat tae oo Second year. Third year. twelve or fifteen inches of their base, according to their strength; a weak branch ought always to be cut back in such a case as this further than a strong one. The bud cut to, should, if possible, be on the cnszde, and the next bud below it on the outsede, the first to continue the main branch, and the other to form the first exterior secondary branch. All shoots starting on the front or rear of the main branch should be rubbed off, and those on the sides laid in early to prevent their acquiring too much vigor. The main branches are left till July, when they are brought down to the form of a V, and attached to the wall or trellis in this position. The exterior secondary branch is placed more oblique, and the fruit branches are kept in a uniform and moderate growth by pinching and laying in. The most vigorous should always be laid in first to check them, and favor the others. Third year (fig. 116).—After loosening the tree from THE PEACH. 239 the trellis, the two main branches are cut back to sixteen or eighteen inches of the previous pruning, and the two lower or secondary branches to twelve or sixteen inches. The fruit branches are shortened to within two or three buds of their base, and all are again fastened back in their places. When the young shoots have reached the length of three, four, or five inches, such as are badly placed on the front or rear of the branches, or in any place inju- rious to the symmetry of the tree, are removed. During the summer the different branches must be laid in from time to time, the most vigorous first. This year two more secondary branches must be obtained on each side, in the same manner as in the previous year. Their growth is also promoted by the same means. The fruit branches on the sides of the main branches may give a few fruit this year, and those on the second- ary branches may bear next year. The fruit branches that have borne are to be cut away each year and replaced by others, therefore we must com- mence to provide for these branches of replacement. They are produced as follows : First, it may be observed that fruit branches have gen- erally one or more wood buds at their base. Sometimes these will push and form branches of replacement with- out any assistance, more than cutting back. In sucha case there is no difficulty. When the fruit is ripe, or at the next pruning, the fruit branch that has borne is cut away, and the new one takes its place. But nature does not always act thus. It is generally necessary to force the development of these branches of replacement, withou which the branches in all their lower parts would becom: entirely denuded. Hence, then, when a branch of replacement fails tu appear by the ordinary method of shortening, we have / 9AD ~ PRUNING. two modes of forcing it: one is to make, after the fruit is set, an incision through the bark two inches above one of the wood buds, and pinch close all the shoots on the fruit branch, leaving only rosettes of leaves necessary to the perfection of the fruit; pinching must be repeated all thetime that the shoots on the fruit branch continue to grow. Fourth Year (fig. 117).—After having examined if the tree is equally vigorous in all its parts, and having de- cided upon the means of restoring the balance if it has been lost, the tree is detached from the wall or trellis, and pruned, commencing with the fruit branches that have borne. These, it must be remembered, are to be cut back each year to the new branch of replacement produced at its base. The young shoot then becomes the fruit branch, and is pruned within four to fourteen inches, according to their vigor and the situation of the fruit buds. The two main branches are cut back to within about twenty inches of the previous pruning; the first shoot on the inside is chosen to conti- nue the branch, and the next ! one below it Fig. 117, Fig. 118. on the lower Fourth year. Fifth year. and outer sid @, to produce the third exterior secondary branch. The two secondary branches already formed are cut back to about twelve to fifteen inches of the previous pruning, in order to make all the lateral buds on them push. The terminal bud produces a leader to continue them; all the others are fruit branches. In attaching the tree again to the wall, the angle that exists between the two main branches is gradually widened, the branches a litt!e more spread at every pruning. THE PEACH. 941 Fifth year (fig. 118)—The tree is now composed of two main branches, both of which have three secondary branches on their exterior lower sides, and fruit branches on all their length on the interior and upper side; and all that is wanted to complete it, is to transform three of the bearing shoots on the upper sides into three secondary branches, corresponding and alternating with the three lower ones. To do this; we select the fruit branch on each, nearest the fork or base of the main branches. The growth of this is favored by training it in an upright posi- tion, and by pinching any vigorous shoots near it. The tree is managed thus, as in preceding years, in regard to laying in the shoots according to their vigor, and pinching to maintain regularity, &c. The sixth year (fig. 119)—The pruning is conducted on the same principles precisely, and another interior secondary branch is produced in the same way as last year. The seventh year (fig. 120)—Another is produced on X a a & a Me ges aN ae 7. : ~~ \ \ J : Ss : ISK x yf JF Fen { / 2s ZL). + = ¢ . Ny r fr a a | \ =o % ee (Zor me f Late P PASS ‘ Lj —s s a q ae SS RAY \ se mati Z Go. = SS/= fobs rts 2 Fria. 119. Fie. 129. Sixth year. Seventh year. each, and then the tree with its two main ae ht / Lb Loe branches, and _ twelve mae ia 3 secondary branches, all =~ SOP jest trained in the form of ’ a parallelogram is com- Fic. 121 plete (fig. 121). Eighth year. 11 242 PRUNING. Fig. 122 represents the tree complete, bearing shoots and all. The main branches should be permanently . fixed at an an- gle of 45°. The lowest exte- rior secondary branches at 15°. Some cultiva- tors recommend that the inte- rior secondary branches con verge to the cen- tre at an angle of 45°.- Tim gives them an oblique direc: tion, and places them upon a more equal foot- ing with the other parts. In _ training such trees, an imaginary cir- cular line is produced on the wall or trellis, and this is di- vided off into parts, corresponding to the degrees of a circle, commenc- ing at the centre above, and numbering both ways to the ey {l Le . = x. 320 SELECT. VARIETIES OF FRUITS. 6. Chinese-—Usually cultivated for ornament. Quite different in appearance from the others. The leaves are glossy, sharply and beautifully toothed ; the fruit is large, oblong, bright yellow, and keeps till spring; little used. The flowers are large and showy, with the fragrance of the violet; worked on the other sorts; rather tender, requiring a sheltered situation. A very tardy bearer. 7. Japan.—this is very distinct from all the others 5 very bushy, thorny, and hardy. There are two varieties. The common one has beautiful bright red blossoms, and the other blush; the most beautiful of all our hardy spring flowering shrubs. Fruit about as large as a chicken’s egg ; green, and quite unfit for use. SECOND DIVISION.—STONE FRUITS—APRICOTS, CHERRIES, PEACHES, NECTARINES AND PLUMS. * Srotion 4.----SrLEect APRICOTS. 1. Breda—Small, round, dull orange, marked with red in the sun, flesh orange colored, juicy, rich and vinous; parts from the stone, kernel sweet, tree hardy, robust and prolifie—End of July and beginning of August. 9. Karly Golden (Dubois).—Small, pale orange, flesh orange, juicy and sweet; kernel sweet; tree very hardy and productive. The original tree at Fishkill is said to” _ have yielded $90 worth of fruit in one season.—Beginning of July. 3. Large Early.—tLarge, orange, with a red cheek, flesh sweet, rich and excellent, parts from the stone; tree vigo- rous and productive.—Beginning of August. 4. Moorpark.—One of the largest and finest apricots, yellow, with a red cheek, flesh orange, sweet, juicy and rich, parts from the stone; growth rather slow, but stout and short jointed ; very productive. CHERRIES. 321 5. Orange.—Medium size, orange, with a ruddy cheek, flesh rather dry, requires ripening in the house; adheres slightly to the stone—End of July. 6. Peach—A very large, handsome and excellent va- riety, quite similar to the Moorpark ; the shoots are not so short jointed, and the fruit a degree larger. 7.—Purple or Black Apricot—tThis is quite distinct in all respects from others, very much like a plum, small, pale red, purple in the sun, flesh yellow, juicy and plea- sant. The tree has slender dark shoots, and small, oval, glossy foliage. It is as hardy as a plum, and therefore worthy of attention where the finer sorts are too tender. —August. Nos. 1 and 2 are the surest and most abundant bearers, but 3,4 and 6 are the largest and finest. No. 7 is only recommended by its hardiness, for localities where the others do not succeed. Srction 5.—Srtect CHERRIES. CLASS I.—HEART CHERRIES. Fruit heart shaped, with tender sweet flesh. Trees of rapid growth, with large, soft drooping leaves. 1. American Amber.—Medium size, amber, shaded and mottled with bright red; tender, juicy, sweet and deli- cious; hangs very long on the tree without rotting; re- markably vigorous and productive-—End of June till mid. dle of July. 2. Bauman’s May.—Small, dark red; tender, juicy and sweet. Tree a vigorous grower, anda most abundant bearer. Ripens very early ; middle of June here. French. 3. Black Heart—An excellent old variety ; rather large, black, tender, juicy and rich. Tree grows large, and is very prolific.—Beginning of July. French. 14* 822 SELECT VARIETIES OF FRUITS. 4. Black Hagle—tLarge, black, tender, juicy, rich and high flavored. Tree a rapid, stout grower and productive. Ripe beginning of July to the 15th. English. 5. Black Tartarvan.—V ery large, purplish black, half tender; flavor mild and pleasant. Tree a remarkably vigorous, erect and beautiful grower, and an Immense bearer—RKipe last of June and beginning of July. One — of the most popular varieties in all parts of the country. Russian. : 6. Burr's Seedling.—Large, pointed; flesh color in the shade, pale red in the sun; tender, sweet and delicious. In luxuriant foliage and stateliness of growth it surpasses even the Black Tartarian— Beginning of July. New; origin, Perrinton, Monroe county. New York. 7. Coes Transparent.—Medium size, pale amber, red and mottled next the sun; tender, sweet and fine-—End of June here. Tree vigorous and erect. Origin, Middle- town, Conn. 8. Davenport's EHarly—yVery similar in all respects to Black Heart, but a few days earlier. American. 9. Downer’s Late Red—Rather large, light red, tender and juicy; slightly bitter until fully ripe, when it is most delicious. Tree is a vigorous erect grower, and pro- ductive.—Tenth to twentieth of July. American, and one of the best of all. 10. Karly White Heart—Medium size, yellowish white, red in the sun; tender and sweet, growth moderately vigorous and erect.—Middle and last of June. 11. Karly Purple Guigne.—Small to medium size, pur- ple, tender, juicy and sweet. Growth slender and spread- ing.—Ripe at same time as Bauman’s May. French. 12. Hlton—Large, pointed; pale yellow, nearly covered with light red; half tender, juicy, rich and delicious. Tree vigorous, spreading and irregular—tLEnd of June. English. CHERRIES. 323 13. Knight's Karly Black—Large, black, tender, juicy, rich and excellent. Tree vigorous and very productive; branches spreading.—Ripe a few days before Black Tar- tarian. English. 14. Manning's Mottled —Rather large, amber shaded and mottled distinctly with red; tender, sweet and deli- cious. Tree erect, vigorous and productive-—End of June. Massachusetts. 15. Sweet Montmorency.—Small, light red, tender and sweet. Tree vigorous, erect and productive-—Ripens about the same time as Sparhawk’s Honey, or a few days later. American. 16. White French Guigne (probably the “ Merisier a gros fruit blanc,” of the French).—A distinct and beauti- ful cherry, rather large, creamy white, flesh tender and melting; juice colorless, sweet, with a scarcely percepti- ble degree of bitterness; not attacked by the birds, like red and black cherries. Tree is vigorous and very pro- ductive.—Middle of July. French. 17. Wilkinson.—Medium size, black, tender, juicy and rich. Tree vigorous, erect and productive.—Ripens late, succeeds Downer’s. Massachusetts. 18. Sparhawk’s Honey. Medium size, roundish, light red, sweet and delicious; stone large. Tree a vigorous, pyramidal grower and very productive-—Ripens with Downer’s late, and hangs long on the tree; a great favo- rite with most people. Massachusetts. CLASS II.----BIGARREAU CHERRIES. These are chiefly distinguished from the preceding class by their firmer flesh. Their growth is vigorous, branches spreading, and foliage luxuriant, soft and droop- ing. 19. Bigarreau, or Yellow Spanish—Large, pale yel- 324 SELECT VARIETIES OF FRUITS. low, with a bright red cheek in the sun; flesh firm, juicy and delicious; one of the best, most beautiful, and popular of all ight colored cherries. Tree vigorous and produc tive—End of June. Turkish. 20. Butiner’s Yellow.—Medium size, yellow, flesh crisp, juicy and sweet. Tree vigorous and productive. Its pe- culiar and beautiful color makes this sort desirable—End of July. 21. China Bigarreau.—Medium size, oval, red, beauti- fully speckled; firm, sweet and rich, with a scarcely per- ceptible bitterness. ‘Tree vigorous, erect, and a most pro fuse bearer; a very distinct and pretty variety.—Begin- ning of July. Hangs long on the tree. 22. Flesh-Colored Bigarreau (Bigarrean couleur de chair)—A_ large and beautiful cherry, resembling the Elton, and ripening about the same time. French. 23. Florence.—A. beautiful cherry, resembling the Bi- garreau; but firmer, and a week later. From Florence. 24. Gridley or Apple Cherry-—Medium size, dark brown, nearly black; flesh very firm, sprightly sub-acid, high flavored. Tree grows rapidly and erect, and bears immense crops. Its firmness and lateness make it very valuable for market.—Middle to last of July. Mass. 25. Hildesheim Bigarreau.—Medium size, yellow, red in the sun; flesh firm, sweet and agreeable. Tree is a good grower, but the ends of the young shoots are apt to get winter killed here—Beginning of August. German. 26. Holland Bigarreau.—A very large and beautiful cherry; pale yellow, covered with bright red in the sun; flesh firm, juicy, sweet and fine flavored. Tree vigorous, with spreading, irregular branches.—End of June and be: ginning of July. Dutch. 27. Large Heart-shaped Bigarreau (Gros Couret),— Large, dark, shining brown; firm, rich and excellent, CHERRIES. O25 Tree vigorous, branches spreading.—Middle of July. French. 28. Madison Bigarreau—Medium size, amber, co- vered with red in the sun; flesh half tender, sweet and fine flavored—End of June and beginning of July. American. 29. Merveille de Sept—A. new French cherry, remark- able only for its lateness—Ripens with us the last of August. Tree a vigorous grower and-good bearer. Fruit small, firm, rather dry and sweet. 30. Wapoleon Bigarreau.—A magnificent, large cherry, surpassing in size and beauty all the others; pale yellow, with a bright red cheek; flesh very firm until fully ripe, when it becomes tender, juicy and sweet. Tree is a vigorous grower, and — enormous crops.—DBeginning of July. French. 31. Liockport Bigarreauw (Dr. Kirkland). ye: pale amber in the shade, ight red in the sun; half tender, sweet and good. Tree vigorous and eres same time as Black Tartarian. Ohio. 2 32. Tradescant’s Black Heart (Elkhorn).—Very large, black, firm, juicy and good. ‘Tree vigorous and upright, with peculiar gray bark. A great bearer, and so late as to be very valuable.—Middle and last of July. England. 33. Tardwe Wd Argental—tLarge, long, dark, shining, red, nearly black; tender, when ripe; juicy, with a pecu- liar flavor, something like raspberry. ‘Tree is an upright, vigorous grower, with peculiar small, light, wavy leaves. —Middle of July. CLASS III.—DUKE AND MORELLO CHERRIES. These two classes of cherries are very distinct from the preceding. The trees are of smaller size and grow slowly ; the leaves are thicker and more erect, and of a 326 SELECT VARIETIES OF FRUITS. deeper green. The fruit is grenerally round, and in color varying from light red, like Belle de Choisy, to dark brown, like Mayduke or Morello. The Dukes have stout, erect branches usually, and some of them, like Belle de Choisy and feine Hortense, quite sweet, whilst the J/orellos have slender, spreading branches, and acid fruit invariably. These two classes are peculiarly appropriate for dwarfs and pyramids, on the mahaleb stock, and their hardiness renders them well worthy of attention in localities where the Hearts and Bigarreaus are too tender. 34. Belle de Choisy—Medium size, amber shaded and mottled with red; tender, melting, sweet and rich; rather a shy bearer; tree makes a pretty pyramid.—End of June. French. 35. Belle Magnifique-—A. magnificent, large, red, late cherry ; excellent for cooking, and fine for table when fully ripe, rather acid, tender, juicy, rich; tree is a slow grower, but a most profuse bearer; makes a fine dwarf or a pyramid on the mahaleb.—Last of July. French. 36. Carnation.—Large, light, red mottled with orange; tender, juicy, a little acid, rich, and excellent; tree is a good grower and a profuse bearer; makes a fine dwarf.— Middle and last of July. 37. Donna Maria.—Medium size, dark red, tender, juicy, acid, rich, fine for cooking; tree small, very pro- lifie—Middle of July. French. | 38. Du Nord Nowvelle—A new French morello, ripens all through August; medium size, bright red, tender, acid; useful on account of its lateness; makes a beau- tiful dwarf or pyramid. 39. Early Richmond, Kentish or Montmorency—An early, red, acid cherry, very valuable for cooking early in the season.—Ripens through June. - 40. Flemish Montmorency.—A remarkably short-stem- CHERRIES. 327 med, flattened cherry ; medium size, red, tender, juicy, acid, good for cooking ; rather a poor bearer, but curious. 41. Sidalia Nain Precoce-—tThe earliest of all cher- ries, ripening about the last of May or first of June ; it is dwarf in habit, and makes a pretty bush on the mahaleb stock; the foliage is small, dark, and glossy, and it is quite prolific. French. 42. Jeffries Duke.—Medium size, red, tender, sub-acid ; branches erect and stiff; makes a bance pyramid — Middle of June: 43. Late Duke—LUarge, light red, late and excellent ; tree makes a nice dwarf or pyramid.—End of July. 44, May Duke.—An old, well known, excellent variety, large, dark red, juicy, sub-acid, rich + tree hardy, vigo- rous, and fruitful; ripens a long time in succession ; fine for dwarfs and pyramids.—Middle of June, for several weeks. 45. Morello (English).—Large, dark red, nearly black, tender, juicy, sub-acid, rich; tree small and slender; makes a fine bush on the mahaleb; tf trained on a north wall, it may be in use through all the month of August. 46. Plumstone Morello—tLarge, dark red, rich and fine; the best of all the morellos; tree a slender, slow grower; makes a nice bush on the mahaleb.—July and August. 47. Reine Hortense, NMonstreuse de Bawvay—A new French cherry of great excellence; large, bright red, tender, juicy, nearly sweet, and eee ; tree ei and bears well; makes a beautiful pyramid. NEW AND RARE CHERRIES RECENTLY BROUGHT TO NOTICE. 48. Bigarreau Monstreuse de Mezel —A very large, fine variety, recently introduced from France, but not fully equal to the character given it in the French jour- 328 SELECT. VARIETIES OF FRUITS. nals. It is quite as large as Tradescant’s Black, and somewhat similar in form; of a dark red, approaching a mahogany color when ripe ; very firm; tree of a vigorous habit, similar to the Elton. 49. Belle @ Orleans—A. beautiful medium sized pale cherry, ripening immediately after Bauman’s May and Early Purple; from France. 50. Champagne.—A. new variety, raised by Mr. Charles Downing, of Newburgh ; described in “ Hort.,” vol. v., as being very hardy, a great bearer, fruit medium size, brick red, “ with a lively rich flavor, a mingling of sugar and acid ;” ripe twentieth of June, and hangs long on the tree. 51. Downing’s* Red Cheek—This is also described in the “ Hort.,” as “far handsomer, as well as more tender and sweet, than the Bigarreau or Graffion, which it some what resembles,” and precedes a few days in ripening. 52. Great Bigarreau.—This name has been given by Mr. Downing “temporarily, until its real name be found,” to a very large, fine cherry, recently brought into notice by Mr. L. M. Ferris, of Orange county, New York, who found it among imported fruit trees growing upon an estate of which he has recently come into possession. It is described as larger than the Black Tartarian, and fully equal in quality, and ripening a few days later; described in “ Hort.,” in January, 1851. 53. New Large Black Bigarreau.—Described in “ Ho- vey’s Magazine,” December, 1850, as brought from the south of France fifteen or twenty years ago, by a gentle- ~ man of Charlestown, Mass. No doubt, identical with “the Great Bigarreau” of Mr. Downing; and as it has been known for many years by this name, it will, of course, take the preference if they prove identical. 54. Roberts’ Red Heart—A heart variety, raised in CHERRIES. 329 Salem, Mass., medium size, pale amber, mottled with red, juicy, and sweet; a great bearer; ripe last of June. 55. Vail’s August Duke—tThis is described as being one third larger than the May Duke, and ripening at Troy about the eighth or tenth of August; of a bright red color and flavor like the May Duke ; originated by Henry Vail, Esq., of Troy; described in “ Hort.,” vol. iv. SMALL SELECT LISTS. For the Garden —Nos. 11, 13, 4, 44, 12, 9, 34, 35, and 45. ) For the Market Orchard —Nos. 5, 19, 80, 24, 32, 4, and 13. Lor Small Hardy Trees—Nos. 34, 35, 36, 41, 45, 46, 47, and 39. Section 6.—Srtect NEcTARINES. The nectarine tree differs in nothing from a peach, and the fruit only in being smooth skinned. It is peculiarly liable to be destroyed by the curculio, so that it is not advisable to plant it in small gardens. 1. Boston—Large, bright yellow, with a red cheek; flesh yellow, sweet and pleasant flavor, freestone.—First of September. 2. Downton —Large, greenish white, with a dark red cheek ; flesh greenish white, rich and high flavored ; one of the best. Free. 3. Early Violet, Violette Hatwe.—Medium size, yel- lowish green, with a purple cheek ; flesh pale green, melt- ing, rich and high flavored. Free.—Last of August. 4. Elruge—Medium size, greenish yellow, with a dark red cheek; flesh greenish white, juicy, and high flavored ; excellent.—Beginning of September. Free. 330 SELECT VARIETIES OF FRUITS. 5. Early Newington.—Large, pale green, red in the sun; flesh pale, red at the stone, juicy, and rich ; adheres to the stone. Cling. | 6. Hunt’s Tawny—Medium size; yellow, with a red cheek ; flesh yellow, rich, and juicy—Beginning of Au- oust. Free. 7. Hardwick Seedling.—Large, pale green, with a vio- let red cheek; flesh pale green, juicy, melting, and rich. —End of August. Free. Nos. 2, 8, and 4, were recommended for general culti- vation by the Pomological Congress at New York in 1849. The Great Stanwick Nectarine, of which so much has been said in England, will soon be introduced here, and will be well worthy the attention of those who can give it a wall or a place under glass. Section 7.—SrEtEcT PEACHES. CLASS I.—FREESTONES. Fl. s. DENOTES SMALL FLOWERS; gl. GLANDS ; glob. GLOBOSE ; aND ren. RENIFORM. 1. Alberge Yellow (Barnard’s, Yellow Rare-Ripe, ete.). —Large, deep yellow, with a dull red cheek, flesh yellow, juicy, and rich; tree vigorous, hardy, and productive.— Beginning of September. Fils. small, globose glands. 2. Bergen’s Yellow—Very large, orange, red in the sun; flesh yellow, juicy and fine flavored; tree produc- tive. This is considered one of the best of yellow peaches. —Middle of September. Glands ren. fl. small. 3. Brevoort, or Brevoorts Morris.—Large, dull white, with a red cheek; flesh pale, sweet, and fine flavored; a good and regular bearer.——Beginning of September. F's. small, glands ren. PEACHES. . 331 4. Coles Karly Led—Medium size, mostly clouded and mottled with red; flesh pale, juicy, rich, and deli- cious; tree vigorous, and an abundant bearer.—Middle of August. Glands globose, flowers small. 5. Cooledge’s Favorite.—A. most beautiful and excellent peach ; skin white, delicately mottled with red; flesh pale, juicy, and rich; tree vigorous and productive.— Middle toend of August. Flowers small, globose glands. 6. Crawford’s Early—A magnificent, large, yellow peach, of good quality; tree exceedingly vigorous and prolific ; its size, beauty, and productiveness, make it one of the most popular orchard varieties——Beginning of September. Glands globose, flowers small. 7. Crawford’s Late Melocoton (Crawford’s Superb).— Really a superb yellow peach, very large, productive and good, ripening about the close of the peach season.—Last of September. Glands globose, fl. small. 8. Druid Hill —Large, roundish, greenish white, cloud- ed with red next the sun; flesh greenish white, juicy, and rich ; very productive—Middle of September. Origin- ated at Baltimore. Fl. s. gl. glob. 9. Karly Newington Free.—Large, whitish, with a red cheek; flesh pale, red at the stone, rich and vinous flavor. —End of August. Fl. s. gl. ren. 10. Harly Anne (Green Nutmeg).—Small, greenish white, with a red cheek; flesh pale, sweet, and good.— End of July. Flowers large, no glands, unthrifty, and liable to mildew ; only recommended for its earliness. 11. Harly York (Early Purple, Serrate Early York, etc.).— Medium size; on young thrifty trees large, green- ish white, covered in the sun with dull purplish red ; flesh juicy, rich and excellent; tree-a fair grower and very prolific ; one of the best early orchard varieties— Middle of August. Leaves serrate, flowers large. 12. Karly Tillotson—An excellent variety, ripening 332 SELECT VARIETIES OF FRUITS. with the preceding, about the same size, and of excellent flavor; the tree is sometimes oainidesably affected with stiehd Wy. and in particular cases the fruit also; it should have warm, light soil, and open exposure. Serrate, fis. small. 13. George the Fourth—Large, white, with a red cheek; flesh pale, juicy, and rich; tree vigorous, and bears rieonkie crops, of the bistros! quality. —End of August. Gl. glob., fils. small. ; 14. Grosse Mignonne.—Large, dull white, with a red cheek ; flesh pale, juicy, with a rich, vinous flavor ; a free grower and good bearer. In England it is called “ the best peach in cultivation.”—End of August. Flowers large, globose glands. 15. Haine’s Karly.—arge, white, with a red cheek ; flesh pale, juicy, and deieiead tree hardy and very pro- ductive; one of the best vailicths —Middle of magia F's. ceil! glob. gl. 16. Sacques’ RaeneRipdek superb yellow peach, full as large and as good as Crawford’s early, and ripening a week or ten days later; origin, Massachusetts. Glands ren. fl. s. | 17. Large Early York.—A large and beautiful variety, white, with a red cheek; flesh juicy and delicious; tree very vigorous and productive; one of the very best.— End of August. Gl. glob. fl. s. 18. Late Red Rare-Ripe.—Large, roundish oval, grey- ish white, marbled with red in the sun; flesh pale, rich and fine.—Beginning of September. FI. s. gl. glob. 19. Late Admirable.—Large, roundish, oval, yellowish green, with a red cheek; flesh pale, fine flavored.—End of September. F'l. s. gl. glob. 20. La Grange—Large, greenish white, slightly red- dened in the sun, flesh pale, juicy, sweet, and rich. Its lateness and color make it a desirable variety for pre- PEACHES. 333 serving. It should have the warmest soil and situation north of New York, or it will not ripen well.—Last of Sep- tember or beginning of October; fl. small, glands ren. 21. Morris’ White—Medium size, dull creamy white, tinged with red in the sun, flesh white to the stone, juicy and delicious; tree a good bearer; highly prized for preserving on account of the entire absence of red in the flesh.— Middle of September ; gl. ren., fl. small. 22. Morris’ Red Rare Lipe—tLarge, roundish, green- ish white, with a red cheek, flesh pale, light red at the stone, juicy and rich; trees very productive; fl. small, glands glob. ; similar to George LV. 23. Old Mixon Freestone—Large, greenish white and red, flesh pale, juicy, and rich; tree hardy and exceed- ingly productive; @ standard orchard variety.—Middle of September for the north. 24. Red Rare Pipe (Ey. Red Rare Ripe).—A fine old sort, whitish, with a dark red cheek; flesh pale, rich, and high flavored.—End of August. Slightly subject to mil- dew; fl. small; frequently comfounded with the follow- ing: 25. Royal Kensington —Very similar to, if not iden- tical with the Grosse Mignonne; several varieties of white fleshed peaches are cultivated about Rochester as the “ Kensington.” 26. Leoyal George.—Medium to large size, white, with a deep red cheek, flesh white, deep red at the stone, juicy, melting and rich; tree productive—End of August; ff. small. 27. Red Cheek Melocoton.—A famous, old, well known, and popular variety; large, oval, yellow, with a red cheek; flesh yellow, juicy, rich and vinous; tree very hardy and prolific ; valuable for the orchard.—Middle to end of September. Glands glob., fl. small. 28. Snow Peach.—A beautiful fruit, medium size, skin 304 SELECT VARIETIES OF FRUITS. and flesh clear, creamy white throughout; tree hardy and productive, and shoots greenish, very distinct, and one of the most desirable of white peaches for preserving.— Beginning to middle of September ; fl. small, white. 29. Scott’s Nonpareil.—A new, very large and fine yel- low peach, from New Jersey, highly esteemed as a valu- able market variety——Middle to end of September; fl. small, glands glob. 380. Van Zandt’s Superb—A. beautiful smooth fruit, large size, whitish, with a red cheek; flesh pale, juicy, sweet, and good.—First of September; fl. small, glands glob. ; origin, Long Island. 31. Ward’s Late Hree.—Large, yellowish white, with a red cheek ; flesh pale, juicy, and good; a standard pro- fitable late sort among the Delaware orchardists; will . probably not ripen north of New York. 32. Weld’s Freestone.—A very large, roundish oval, tae peach; greenish white, streaked and marbled ite red next the sun; flesh pale, pale, juicy, and good; never fails to give an abundant crop at Rochester. Beginning to middle of October; fi. small, glands ren.; succeeds well in Massachusetts. 33. White Imperial.—Medium to large size, pale, yel- lowish white, faintly marked with red; flesh pale, juicy, sweet, and good; tree vigorous ; fl. small, gl. glob. CLASS II.—CLINGSTONES. 34. Heath Cling—A magnificent late peach, cream colored, with a light blush next the sun; flesh greenish white, tender, juicy, and of the highest flavor; fl. small, glands ren.; tree very productive.—Ripe in October; and has the rare property of keeping well for several weeks after being gathered ; should be grown on a trellis or wall north of New York to bring it to perfection. PLUMS. ooo 85. Large White Cling.—Large, greenish white, lightly reddened in the sun, juicy, sweet, and rich; tree very hardy and productive; highly esteemed for proreerne on account of its light color; fl. small, glands glob. 36. Lemon Cling.—A ae large and beautiful lemon- shaped variety, light yellow, reddened in the sun; flesh yellow, rich, and vinous; excellent for preserving; tree hardy and productive.—End of September. Glands ren., fl. small. ; 87. Old Mixon Clingstone.—Large, round, whitish, with a red cheek; flesh pale, sweet, and rich flavored; fil. small, glands glob.—Beginning of September. 88. Old Newimgton Cling.—Large, yellowish white, with a red cheek; flesh pale, red at the stone, rich, juicy, and good.—Middle of September; fl. large; no glands. Select lists of Peaches —Our most profitable orchard varieties in Western New York are, Nos. 1, 4, 6, 11, 15 or 17, 23, 27, and No. 6, the most valuable single variety, on account of its great size and beauty, and the vigor and productiveness of the tree. Select Garden Varieties—Nos. 2, 4, 5, 11, 13, 21, 23, and 28. Robert Manning selects for New England, out of seventy varieties that he has tested, Nos. 11, 18, 22, 6, 2, 19, 37, 7, besides Nivette and Walter’s Early. These ten he con- siders “unimpeachable,” and No. 6 he considers com- bines, in the greatest degree, all desirable quality. With these he recommends Nos. 5, 4, 14, 16, 21, 16, 27, 36, and 32, with several others we have not thought it necessary to describe. He ranks them in regard to relative merit as the numbers are placed. Section 7.—SrtEect Pius. 1. Autumn Gage, or Loe’s Autumn Gage-—Medium 336 SELECT VARIETIES OF FRUITS. size, oval, pale yellow, sweet, juicy and good; parts from the stone; tree a slow grower, but very productive.— Middle to end of September. , 2. Bingham.—Large and handsome, oval, deep yellow, with a few red spots; juicy and rich; parts from the stone ; tree very productive-—Beginning of September. 3. Bleeker’s Gage-—Above medium size, roundish oval, yellowish ; flesh yellow, juicy, and rich; parts from the stone; tree a fair grower and productive——Last of August. 4. Cherry, or Early Scarlet.—Rather small, round, red, very pretty, juicy, soft, sub-acid, adheres to the stone.— Last of July. Makes a very pretty dwarf bush. 5. Coe’s Golden Drop.—Large and handsome, oval, light yellow, flesh firm, rich and sweet; adheres to the stone; tree a fair grower and very productive, but does not bear so young as many others; valuable not only on account of its large size and fine appearance, but its lateness and hanging long on the tree.—Last of September. 6. Columbia.—Large and handsome, roundish, purple, flesh yellow, juicy and rich; parts from the stone; tree vigorous and very productive-—September. 7. Cruger’s Scarlet—Medium size, roundish, reddish lilac; juicy, but not rich; an extraordinary bearer; always requires thinning; particularly valuable in light — soils; profitable.-—September. 8. Drap d’Or.—A fine golden yellow plum, somewhat resembling the old green gage; very good; vigorous shoots, a little downy.-—Early. 9. Drap @Or ad Esperin—A new Belgian variety, resembling the Washington, and probably no better. The first trees were sold at Ghent in 1848 at $10 each. 10. Diamond.——One of the largest and most produc- tive of purple plums, but coarse; only for cooking.— September. PLUMS. 337 11. Dennison’s Red. —Large, round oval, light red, flesh juicy and rich, parts from the stone-—End of August. 12. Dennison’s Superb.—Pretty large, beautiful, round, yellowish green, with purple dots; flesh juicy, rich, and parts from the stone; tree vigorous and productive-—End of August. 13. Duane’s Purple —Very large and handsome, oval, reddish purple; flesh juicy and sweet, adheres to the stone; tree a good grower and very productive.—Begin- ning of September. 14. Emerald Drop—Medium size, oval, yellowish green ; flesh juicy and good, adheres slightly to the stone ; a good grower and profuse bearer. 15. Lellenberg.—A. fine late plum, oval, purple; flesh juicy and delicious, parts from the stone; fine for drying ; tree very productive.—September. 16. Frost Gage—Rather small, round, purple; an im- mense bearer; very late ; profitable for market.—October. 17. Green Gage.—Small, but of the highest excellence ; tree a slow grower.— Middle of August. 18. German Prune (Quetsche).—Large, long oval, dark purple, blue, free, fine for drying, and good to eat; grows spontaneously in Germany.—September. 19. Gen. Hand.—One of the largest American varie- ties, introduced by Messrs. Sinclair & Corse, Balti- more. It is of a golden yellow color, sweet but not high flavored.—First of September. Will be valuable for the market, as it is very productive, besides being so attrac- tive in size and beauty. 20. Guthrie’s Apricot—Medium size, yellow, has the flavor of the Apricot; of Scotch origin—End September. 21. Huling’s Superb—tLarge and handsome, round, yel- lowish green; flesh juicy, rich and fine flavored, parts freely from the stone; tree grows well and is very produc- tive.-—Middle of August. 15 308 SELECT VARIETIES OF FRUITS. 22. Ickworth Imperatrice—An English late variety, pur ple, flesh juicy, sweet and rich; may be kept into winter. 23. Imperial Gage.—Large, oval, greenish ; flesh juicy, rich and delicious, parts from the stone; one of the best growers, most productive, and best of plums; profitable for market—Middle of August. 24. Lves’ Seedling—Raised by Mr. J. M. Ives, of Salem, Mass.; large, roundish, oblong, yellow, mottled with red, melting and rich; freestone.—First of September. ‘Tree a strong, rapid grower. | 25. Jaune Hatwe—A nice little yellow plum, ripening last of July; earliness is its chief quality. 26. Sefferson—A new American variety, of the high- est reputation ; yellow, with a red cheek; flesh crange- colored, juicy and rich, parts from the stone ; an excellent variety, but we have never seen it superior to the Impe- rial Gage——End of August. 27. Kirks (from England).—A large, fine, violet fruit, rich and sugary; freestone-——September. Shoots stout and smooth, like those of the red mag. bon. 28. Lucomb’s Nonsuch (English)—A large, roundish, ereenish plum, nearly as large andas good as the Wash- ington. 29. Lawrence’s Favorite—Large, roundish, yellowish green; flesh juicy, melting, and rich, parts from the stone; tree vigorous and very productive.—Middle and end of August. 30. Lombard.—Medium size, oval, violet red; flesh yellow, juicy, and pleasant; a great bearer, and said to be peculiarly well adapted to light soils.—End of August. Profitable for market. 31. Long Scarlet, or Scarlet tiga Meat size, ob- long, bright red ; flesh juicy, sweet when fully ripe, adheres to the stone; tree a good grower, and a most abundant bearer.—End of August. PLUMS. 339 32. Magnum Bonum, Yellow—A very large and beautiful egg-shaped yellow plum; a little coarse, but excellent for cooking ; tree vigorous and very productive. —End of August. Profitable. 33. Magnum Bonum, ed.—Large and beautiful, egg shaped, violet red; of second quality, valuable for cook- ing; tree vigorous and productive-—End of August. Pro- fitable for market. 34. Mamelonne—A curious looking, distinct fruit ; round, with a neck like a pear, greenish, similar in qua- lity and season to the green gage; tree vigorous and pro- ductive ; new irom France. 35. Mirabelle—A small, round, yellow plum, very prolific and fine for preserving.—August and September. 36. Mirabelle ad Octobre-—A late variety recently re- ceived from France ; very hardy and prolific. 37. Orange.—One of the largest varieties, oval, yellow, rather coarse ; tree vigorous and very productive.—First of October. Profitable for market. 38. Orleans Larly.— Medium size, round, purple ; flesh sweet and good; tree a great bearer—Middle of August. 39. Orleans Smith’s—A._ very large and excellent va- riety, oval, reddish purple, with a thick coat of bloom; flesh yellow, firm, juicy, and rich; tree vigorous and very productive.—Last of August. Profitable for market. 40. Peach—A very large and beautiful plum, round- ish, dull red; flesh a little coarse ; tree very productive— End of August. 41. Prune d’ Agen, or Robe de Sergent—A new French variety, first quality for drying; tree very prolific; medium size, purple, sweet, and good.—September. ~ 49. Purple Favorite-—Medium size, brownish purple ; flesh juicy, melting, and sweet; one of the very best of plums; tree a slow grower.—Beginning of September. 43. Purple Gage (Reine Claude Violette)—Medium 349 SELECT VARIETIES OF FRUITS. size, roundish, violet, with a blue bloom, rich, sugary, and fine; freestone; hangs long on the tree, and shrivels in ripening : shoots smooth.—September and October. 44. Red Diaper (Diapree Rouge, French).—One of the finest of all plums, brownish red, dark in the sun, freestone. End of August. Hangs long on the tree. This is called Mimms in England, and is different from the Red Diaper of some. 45. Reine Claude de Bavay (Esperin).—The best new foreign variety, as large as the Washington, and in flavor equal to the green gage; roundish, oval, greenish, mark- ed with red in the sun; tree vigorous and remarkably productive.—Middle of September. Hangs long on the tree. 46. Schenectady Catharine—Rather below medium size, purple; flesh melting, sweet and excellent.—Middle of August. It is said to reproduce itself from seed with-. out variation. AT. St. Martin’s Quetsche (German).—Medium size, oval, pale yellow, juicy,and rich—September. Hangs long on the tree; bears the most abundant crops ; fine for drying ; very profitable. 48. Thomas (of Boston)—Large, roundish, oblong, amber colored, juicy and good.—September. Shoots stout, a little downy, a great bearer, and very handsome. 49. Washington—A magnificent, large plum; round- ish, green, usually marked with red; juicy, sweet and good ; tree vigorous and exceedingly productive ; one of the very best.—End of August. 50. Winter or Late Damson.—A small, dark purple variety, esteemed for preserving.—October. 51. Yellow Gage—tLarge, yellow, oval; flesh yellow, juicy, and rich; tree remarkably vigorous and produc- tive; an excellent and profitable variety—Middle of August. : CURRANTS. 341 SMALL SELECT LISTS OF PLUMS. For the Garden.—Nos. 17, 23, 26, 29, 39, 42, 48, 45, 5. for Market.—Nos. 16, 23, 32, 38, 39, 49. for Drying.—Nos. 15, 18, 41, 47. THIRD DIVISION.—BERRIES. CURRANTS, GOOSEBERRIES, RASPBERRIES STRAWBERRIES, BER- BERRIES, BLACKBERRIES, MULBERRIES, GRAPES, AND FIGS. Section 8.—SrLect Currants. The currant is a most useful fruit, indeed indispen- sable to every garden, large or small; it fills a space of a couple of weeks after the strawberries, raspberries, and cherries, and before the apricots, early apples, and pears ; and besides this, it possesses such a remarkable combination of sweet and acid, as fits it for an almost endless variety of useful and agreeable preparations, both in the green and ripe state. The white varieties are mildest flavored, and, therefore, better for using in araw state when ripe. The red are preferable for jellies, etc., on account of their beautiful color. 1. Black English, or common black, well known.. 2. Black Naples—The largest and best black currant ; bears profusely ; valuable for jam and jellies; bunches short, milder flavored, and later than the preceding. 3. Cherry.—Largest of all currants, exceeding an inch in circumference, bunches short, color dark red, ripens same time as Red Dutch, shoots stout, short jointed and erect, foliage thick, dark green, slightly folded, and bluntly and coarsely serrated. o42 SELECT VARIETIES OF FRUITS. 4, Red Dutch—A well known variety, buriches three inches long or more ; fine. 5. Led Knight's Sweet—Similar to the preceding, but of rather a milder acid. 6. Victoria or Houghton Castle—Very large, bright red, bunches five or six inches long; hangs on the bushes after others are gone; distinguished at once by its re- markably long bunches, and bright red color, and by the foliage, which is quite distinct, dark green, coarsely and bluntly serrated, quite flat, and frequently reflexed or turned backwards at the edges; the shoots are not so stout and erect as those of the cherry. T. White Dutch.—Y ellowish white, transparent, milder than the red, and better for using raw; excellent. 8. White Grape.—tLarger every way than the preced- ing; the largest white currant; growth rather spreading, foliage thicker, deeper green, and more reflexed. 9. Missourt Yellow Flowering.—Fine yellow, fragrant flowers, and sweet fruit of a violet blue. 10. Missours Large Fruited.Large, blue, sweet fruit, very pleasant. The two last are seldom cultivated for the fruit. 11. Long Bunched fed Dutch (Grosse Rouge de Hol- land).—This is a variety we received lately from France, and it promises to be valuable. There are several sorts under cultivation, more or ,less unworthy of notice, unless to those who are making large collections. ? SEecTIoN 9.—GoosEBERRIES. . The following, from the large English sorts, have all proved excellent. . ; 1. fed.—Albion, Crownbob, Echo, Houghton’s Bog- gart, Ironmonger, Lancashire Red, Prince Regent, Roar- RASPBERRIES. 843 ing Lion, Shakspeare, Sportsman, Top Sawyer, Wine- berry, Young’s Wonderful. 2. White—Chorister, Fleur de Lis, Leigh’s Toper, Queen Caroline, Smiling Beauty, Whitesmith, Welling- ton’s Glory, White Muslin, ete. 3. Green —Berrier’s Greenwood, Chipendale’s Con- quering Hero, Green Mountain, Green Vale, Green Wil- low, Green Ocean, Independent, Jolly Cutler, Massey’s Heart of Oak, Profit. 4, Yellow—Bunker Hill, Capper’s Early Sulphur, Gol- den Drop, Husbandman, etc. 5. Houghton’s Seedling —Raised in Massachusetts from the seed of a native variety; it is small and rather indif ferent in flavor, but is not subject to the mildew, and bears most abundantly, small, oval, dull brownish red. The following sorts were recommended by the Pomo- logical Congress: Houghton’s Seedling, Whitesmith, Crownbob, Red Champagne, Warrington, Laurel, lron- monger, Early Sulphur, Green Gage, Green Walnut.. Srcrion 10.—Srtect RASPBERRIES. 1. Antwerp, Red.—This is an excellent variety, and very popular in market; three quarters of an acre of land on the Hudson, planted with it, have yielded $330; and three acres in the same locality, $1,500 in one season. The berry is large, conical, dark red, rich and juicy; canes have a few small, purple spines. 2. Antwerp, Yellow or White.—Fruit large, pale yel- low, sweet and rich; a beautiful and excellent fruit, but not so firm and so well adapted to marketing as the pre- ceding; canes thickly covered with greenish spines. 3. Fastolf—Fruit larger and rounder than the Red Antwerp, but rather softer; of a purplish red, canes more spiny; very hardy and productive. 344 SELECT VARIETIES OF FRUITS. 4. Hranconia.—Fruit very large, of a purplish red, ra- ther darker than the Red Antwerp or Fastolff; canes very strong, with a few short purple spines, and thicker, firmer and smoother, or less crimped or wrinkled leaves than any of the others. 5. Knevett’s Giant.—This is an English variety of the Red Antwerp, from which it differs only in being some what hardier. The “ Col. Walder” and “ Cushing” are two seedling varieties produced by Dr. Brinkle, of Philadelphia, that give promise of superiority, the first especially, which is described as a beautiful “ cream-colored” fruit and very hardy. The American Red, White and Black are well known. 6. Large Hruited Monthly (New).—Large red, bears in favorable weather from August to November; canes long, rather slender, purplish in the sun, and pretty thickly covered with dark purple spines; quite different from the - Ohio Everbearing,” a worthless variety. We saw fruit on this in January, in Mr. Rivers’ nur- sery, in 1848. Ifthe autumn be dry, the plant should be watered occasionally; and to ensure a good autumn crop, the canes should be pruned in spring to within a fuvot of the ground. Section 11.—SrLect STRAWBERRIES. Those strongly pistillate or deficient in stamens are marked (p). 1. Alpine, Red Monthly.—Small, high-flavored variety, and highly valuable in all collections, on account of bear- ing a long time. 2. Alpine, White Monthly.—As above, except color. 3. Alpine, Feed Bush.—These have no runners, like STRAWBERRIES. 345 other varieties, and are well adapted to edging walks in the kitchen garden. They are small, but of delicious flavor, and continue bearing till autumn. 4, Alpine, White Bush—Same as above, but in color. 5. British Queen (Myatt’s)—The most magnificent in appearance of all strawberries, often measuring six or seven inches in circumference ; but it is a shy bearer and rather tender; plant very luxuriant. 6. Bishop's Orange.—Rather large, light orange scarlet, productive and fine flavored (p). 7. Boston Pine—tLarge light red, good, hardy and ex- ceedingly productive; with plenty of room and good cul- ture the yield is very great. 8. Burr’s Seedling.—A. very prolific medium sized va- riety ; hardy and of fair quality; from Ohio. 9. Burr's New Pine—Large, light orange, scarlet; of the highest and most delicious flavor uniformly; plant hardy and productive; one of the very best sorts (p). Ohio. 10. Burr’s Rival Hudson.—Medium size, dark red, rather acid; valuable for marketing and preserving; hardy and productive (p). Ohio. 11. Burr’s Columbus.—Large, hardy and productive; flavor medium (p). Ohio. 12. Burr’s Scarlet Melting.—A very pretty light scar- let fruit, and a most profuse bearer, but very tender; not fit for marketing. 18. Black Prince—A large and beautiful fruit, of a dark blackish crimson color; variable in quality ; some seasons first rate, others insipid; hardy and productive (p). 14. Climax Scarlet—Medium size, conical, slightly necked, light scarlet, rather acid; bears immense crops (p). 15. Duke of Kent.—Small, with a long neck ; very pro- lific and valuable for its earliness in a large collection. 16. Genesee.—Large, roundish, dark crimson, good; 15* 346 SELECT VARIETIES OF FRUITS. plant very luxuriant; fruit stalks very stout, supporting the fruit well; most profuse bearer, rather late. 17. Hudson.—Medium size, scarlet, firm, acid; very productive, and esteemed for marketing; grown much around Cincinnati (p). 18. Hovey’s Seedling. —A well-known magnificent berry ; plant hardy and luxuriant; bears large crops in some places and seasons (p). 19. Jenny's Seedling—Very large, roundish, dark scarlet, flavor medium, plant vigorous, and a moderate bearer (p). . 20. Large Early Scarlet—An excellent standard sort, light scarlet, rather acid; bears uniformly great crops; early. 21. Monroe Scarlet—Large, roundish, light scarlet, good; very prolific; over 100 perfect berries have been gathered at once from a single plant (p). 22. Orange Prolific—lLarge, orange scarlet; rather acid, but a great bearer and quite late. 23. Princess Alice Maud.—A very large and handsome English variety ; very productive, but of indifferent flavor. 24. Prolific Hautbois—A large, purplish, conical fruit, — with a peculiar musky flavor, very productive; plant grows tall and luxuriant, with peeuliar crimped foliage, and has very large, showy blossoms; a distinct species; late. 25. Swainstone’s Seedling.—A very large and beautiful fruit, of the most delicious flavor; color light shining ~ scarlet, ripens gradually ; a poor bearer; English. 26. Scotch Pine Apple, or Crimson Cone.—One of the most beautiful varieties in appearance; medium size, uni~ form, regularly conical, rich dark crimson; seeds deeply imbedded, giving the surface a rasp-like appearance; rather acid but good, and very productive. Nos. 7, 9,18 and 20 are the best for general cultivation ; for a larger collection, Nos. 5,17 and 25, besides the BLACKBERRIES. 347 alpines, may be added; Nos. 14, 16, 21, 22 are new seed- lings produced here that promise well. The wood and alpines should be renewed from seed frequently. : Srcrion 12.—BERBERRIES. EPIN.-VINETTE OF THE FRENCH. Common Led.—This is everywhere well known ; grown not only for the fruit, which is used for preserves, jellies and pickles, but for ornament. The bright scarlet oval fruit is borne in rich clusters, and hang on till late in the autumn. Sweet-Fruted (Berberis dulcis)—The fruit of this is much less acid than the common. The plant is not so vigorous. Besides these, there are several species and varieties cultivated chiefly for ornament: The White-fruited, The Violet-fruited, The Variegated-leaved, foliage marked with yellow; Zhe Purple-leaved, the most unique and ornamental of all, with beautiful violet-purple foliage. They are all easily propagated by layers or suckers, and the rare sorts by grafting. __ Srction 13.—B.LACKBERRIES. The Improved High Bush.—This Blackberry is begin- ning to receive considerable attention. The Massachu- setts Horticultural Society has offered large premiums to encourage its culture, and the result already has been great improvement. Capt. Lovett, of Beverly, has pre- sent specimens an inch and a half long. It bids fair to become a valuable and popular fruit. The berry is long, ego-shaped, shining black, juicy, and rich, the plant erect, 3048 SELECT VARIETIES OF FRUITS. blossoms white, ripens at a most timely season, after the Raspberry. Section 14.—Mu.LBerRIes. Black—tThis is a native of Persia, and is really the only one valuable for its fruit. The berry is an inch and a half long, and nearly,an inch in diameter, black, suc- culent, sugary and rich. The tree is highly ornamental, very erect, with a large spreading head. The leaves appear late in spring, are large, heart-shaped, sometimes lobed, deep green, and form a dense shade. Srction 15.—GRAPEs. SELECT HARDY GRAPES. 1. Catawba.—This is the best flavored of all native grapes that ripen as far north as lat. 43 deg., and is con- sidered the best yet discovered for making wine. Bunches large; berries large, red, becoming a coppery color when ripe; juicy, sweet, and musky; hardy, and very pro- ductive. 2. Clinton.—A very hardy, native variety, resembling in foliage the common Fox Grape. Bunches small and very compact; berries rgther small, black, juicy, inferior in flavor to the preceding. It ripens here two or three weeks before the Isabella or Catawba, and this is its chief value; very productive. 8. Diana.—This is a variety that originated near Boston, similar to the Catawba; not quite so large, but earlier and better adapted to the north. 4. Jsabella.—This is the most popular variety. It ripens well in almost every part of the conntry, and bears immense crops under the most ordinary management. GRAPES. 3849 Bunches long and large; berries large, oval, black, juicy, sweet, slightly musky. SELECT FOREIGN GRAPES. 1. Black Cluster—Small, roundish oval, black, sweet and good; bunches small, very compact; one of the hardiest and best for open air culture; early. 2. Black Prince-—Large, oval, black; bunches long, rather open; sweet and fine; a profuse bearer. 3. Black Frontignan.—Berries medium size, round, black, bunches long; flavor rich and musky ; prolific. 4. Black Hamburg—A fine grape, and a general favorite for the vinery; bunches are large, very much shouldered—that is, branched; berries large, deep black, sweet and rich. 5. Chasselas de Fontainbleau.—This is esteemed the finest table grape in France, and succeeds admirably here in vineries, and oceasionally in the open air. Bunches large, somewhat shouldered ; berries large, round, greenish white, becoming slightly colored or reddened in the sun ; canes stout, of a yellowish color; leaves large and shining; very productive. The Golden Chasselas is very similar to, if not identical with this. 6. Grizzly Frontignan.—tThis is one of the most deli- cious grapes when grown in the vinery, and very beau- tiful-too. Bunches long, slightly shouldered; berries medium size, round, colored red and violet-purple in the sun; rich, musky flavor. 7. White Frontignan (Muscat Blane of the French).— One of the oldest varieties ; bunches pretty large ; berries roundish, changing from green to amber as they ripen in the sun; rich and quite musky; later than the preceding. 8. White Muscat of Alexandria—tThis is a most deli- cious variety, considered the same as the imported 350 SELECT VARIETIES OF FRUITS. “Malaga.” Bunches large, branched and loose; berries large, oval, white, becoming amber; firm and rich, with a high musky flavor; growth vigorous; leaves shining and deeply lobed. 9. White Sweetwater—tThis and the Black Cluster are the most common foreign varieties in this country. Bunches of good size, open; berries of medium size, round, green, becoming slightly colored in the sun; sweet and watery; occasionally produced in tolerable perfection in the open air. The Pomological Congress at New York, in 1849, recommend for culture under glass, Nos. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Srction 16.—F es. Very little is known here from experience of the par- ticular qualities of the different kinds of figs. Several varieties have been tested, and are grown successfully in the Boston graperies. The varieties most desirable for out-door culture for their hardiness are :. The Brown Turkey.—Large, oblong, pear-shaped ; skin dark, brownish purple; flesh red, leaves large. Black Ischia.—Medium size, roundish, dark violet, nearly biack ; flesh deep red, sweet and fine. This is one of the most productive varieties. Violette de Bordeaue (Figue poire de Bordeaux.— Large, long, pear-shaped, brownish red; flesh reddish, medium quality ; extensively cultivated about Paris for its productiveness and hardiness. White Marseilles —Small, roundish, nearly white; flesh white; not quite so hardy as the preceding sorts, but very productive ; one of the most abundant in the Paris markets. Upwards of forty varieties are described in the London CHESTNUTS. OeL Horticultural Society’s catalogue ; fifteen are described in Downing’s Fruit and Fruit Trees. FOURTH DIVISION.—ALMONDS, CHESTNUTS, FILBERTS, AND WALNUTS. Srction 17.—ALMONDs. ‘1. Sweet Hard Shell—This is a hardy and productive variety, succeeding well in the climate of Western New York, and still farther north. Nut very large, with a hard shell and a large sweet kernel; ripe here about the first of October. The tree is very vigorous, has smooth glaucous leaves, and when in bloom in the spring, is more brilliant and showy than any other fruit tree. 2. Soft Sweet Shell, Ladies’ Thin Shell, etc—This is the almond of the shops, of which such immense quan- _ tities are annually imported from abroad. It and all its sub-varieties, as far as we know, are too tender for our nortlrern climate, unless carefully grown on a wall or trellis, and protected. South of Virginia, we believe, it succeeds well; and so beautiful a tree, and so estimable a frnit, deserve the attention of all fruit growers. 3. The Bitter Almond. --This is hardy and productive ; nut similar to No. 1 in appearance, but bitter, and only useful in confectionery or medicine. Its chief product is the prussic acid of the druggists. Srotion 18.—CueEstnuts. The American or Common Chestnut is well known as one of our most beautiful forest trees. It is seldom srown as a fruit tree, although the fruit is highly es- teeme !. bo2 SELECT VARIETIES OF FRUITS. It should have a place in all large collections of stand- ard fruit trees. It reproduces itself from seed. The Dwarf Chestnut or Chinquapin, is a small tree eight or ten feet, high, and very prolific, but the nuts are small. It grows spontaneously in Maryland, Virginia, and southward. | The Spanish Chestnut or Marron.—tThis is the large, sweet nut, as large as a horse chestnut, imported from abroad. There are many varieties cultivated in France and England, but that designated by the French as “ Marron de Lyon,” is the best. It is propagated by grafting on the common sorts. It is not reproduced truly from seed, but its seedlings produce large and fine fruits. It bears and ripens well as far north as Rochester. It bears the second year from the graft and the fourth from seed. Srcrion 19.—Fimperts. 1. Cosford.—This is an improved variety of the Eng- . lish hazel-nut, very prolific, nut large, oblong or oval, shell thin, and kernel fine flavored. 2. Coburg—tLarge and fine, and a most abundant bearer. 3. Dwarf Prolific—One of the most prolific bearers, nut rather small. We have plants two feet high bear- ing well, kernel good. 4. Frizzled—Remarkable for its curious frizzled husk, a good bearer, and one of the finest flavored. 5. Red Skinned.—One of the old standard sorts of the English growers, distinguished by the bright red or crim- son skin of the kernel, medium size, egg-shaped, shell thick, flavor good. 6. White-—This is also an old standard sort, the kernel is a yellowish white. Both this and the preceding have long husks. WALNUTS. 3538 Section 20.—W ALNUTS. The English or Madewra Nut (Juglans Regia).—This is a native of Persia. A lofty spreading tree with pinnated leaves like the butternut, and the fruit nearly as large. Great quantities are annually imported, and soid in the fruit shops. The tree is tender while young, the ends of the young shoots being injured in winter at the north, but as it grows older it becomes hardier. It is produced from seed or by grafting. There are many varieties of it cul- tivated abroad, few of which have yet been introduced here on account of the little attention given to this class of fruits. The Dwarf Prolific Walnut (Juglans Preparturiens), is a French variety recently introduced, which will pro- bably become the most desirable for the garden. It bears at the age of three years from the seed, and often at the height of two-to three feet. We have now two imported trees, four feet high, that give promise of an abundant crop. The kernel is said to be very good. Our native sorts, the Black Walnut (Juglans Nigra), the Butternut (Juglans Cinerea), the Hickory Nut (Carya), and its varieties, are all well known trees that deserve much more attention than they receive, considering the value of their timber as well as fruit. OF API... Hy GATHERING, PACKING, TRANSPORTATION AND PRE- SERVATION OF FRUITS. Tas is a branch of the general subject of fruit culture and management that requires the most careful attention ; for it is quite useless to take pains in producing fine fruits, without taking equal pains in gathering, preserving, and sending them to the table or the market in a sound, sightly, and proper condition. Very few fruit growers seem to appreciate this part of their business. Fruit dealers at home and abroad complain of the careless and slovenly manner in which our fruits are gathered, packed, and presented in the market, and would gladly pay a dou- ble price for them in a better condition. The first con- sideration is— The period of maturity at which fruits should be gathered.—The stone fruits generally are allowed to reach perfect maturity, or within four or five days of it, on the tree. In moist, cool seasons particularly, they are benefited by being gathered a few days before maturity, and allow- ed to ripen in a dry, warm room; they part with the water contained in their juices, which thus become better elaborated and more sugary and _ high flavored. Summer Pears, too, on the same principle, require to be gathered, as a general thing, from a week to a fort- night before their maturity. Sweet varieties, and such as GATHERING FRUITS, ETO. 355 are inclined to become mealy, are entirely worthless when ripened on the tree, and many very excellent varieties are condemned on this account. Such as these should be gathered the moment the skin begins to change color in least degree. Sumner Apples, too, and especially those inclined to mealiness, should be picked early ; as soon as the skin begins to change color, otherwise they part with their juices, and become worthless. Ripeness is indicated by the seeds turning dark colored, and by the stem parting readily from the tree when it is lifted upwards. Winter Apples and Pears should be allowed to remain on the trees as long as vegetation is active, or until frosts are apprehended. Grapes, Berries, &c., are allowed to attain perfect maturity before being gathered. Chestnuts, Filberts, dc., are not gathered until they begin to fall from the tree. Mode of Gathering.—Unless it be a few specimens wanted for immediate use, which may be taken with some of the contrivances mentioned under the head of imple- ments, all fruits should be gathered by the hand. The branch, to be gathered from should be taken-in one hand, and the fruits carefully taken off, one by one, with the other, with their stems attached. (or fruits neither keep so well, nor look so well, without the stems.) They are then laid carefully in single layers in broad shallow baskets, the bot- toms of which should be covered with paper or moss, to prevent bruises. Peaches and other soft fruits should be pressed as lightly as possible, for anything like a squeeze is certainly followed by decay in the form of a brown spot, and this is the reason why it is so exceedingly diffi- cult to find a perfectly sound and at the same time ripe peach in our markets. When more than one layer of fruit is laid in the same 056 GATHERING FRUITS, ETC. basket, some soft paper, dry moss, hay, or other material, ought to separate them, for it is difficult to place one layer immediately upon another, and especially if the fruits are approaching maturity, without bruising them more or less. Fruit should only be gathered in dry weather, and in the dry time of the day. Disposition of the Fruits after gathering.— When they are thus in the baskets, if summer fruits, they are either carried into the fruit room and arranged on shelves or tables in thin layers, or they are carefully transferred one by one into market baskets and carried to market on an easy spring wagon, if not by steamboat or railroad, by which jarring or jolting will be avoided. Treated in this manner, they will be in a marketable condition, and one basket will sell for as much as four, carelessly picked, thrown into baskets, and tumbled out of them into a barrel or wagon-box. Ripe fruits may be kept in good condition for a consi- derable period of time, in an ice-house, or in some of the recently-invented fruit preservers, and even in very cool dry cellars. The vessels in which they are deposited, should be perfectly clean, that no unpleasant flavor may be imparted to them. Peaches have been sent to the East Indies, by being properly packed in ice; and it may be that methods of packing and preserving will, before long, be discovered, that will give us access to the markets of other countries, even for our perishable summer fruits. We have seen Seckel pears in a very good state of preser- vation in January, exhibited in the horticultural society’s rooms in Boston. The science of ripening and preserving fruits is but in its infancy, and horticultural societies that have the means will be doing a great public service by offering liberal premiums that will incite to experiment on the subject. Winter Fruits intended for long keeping are transferred PACKING FRUITS, ETC. 857 by hand from the baskets in which they are gathered on the tree, into larger ones in which they can be carried into a dry cool room, where they are laid in heaps, which may be three or four deep, where they may remain for a couple of weeks, during which time they will have parted with considerable moisture and be quite dry. They will then be fit for packing. Clean, new barrels should be procured, and the fruits should be carefully assorted. For shipping to distant or foreign markets, the best only should be selected; all bruised, wormy, knotty specimens being laid aside for home consumption. They are then placed in the barrels, by hand, arranged regularly in layers, so that no spaces will exist, by which the fruits may shift, roll, or knock against one another. The barrels are then tightly headed up, so that the head presses firmly on the fruits; some people recommend placing a layer of clean moss or soft paper, both on the bottom and top of the barrel; but this is not necessary where the packing and heading are per- formed carefully. After packing, the barrels must be sent to market in such a manner as never to be jolted or rolled, any more than they would be on men’s shoulders, or an easy spring wagon or sled, or by a water convey- ance. . i On shipboard the barrels should be placed in the coolest and dryest place. It is perfectly idle to gather, pack or ship fruits in any other way than this to foreign markets. American apples are frequently sold in Liverpool at auction for half what they would have sold for in New York, on account of their bad condition. J saw this in 1849, when Newtown pippins were selling at twelve and a half cents a-piece in the fruit shops. Winter fruits for home consumption should be care- fully assorted, keeping the best, the poorest, the sound, the bruised, and the earlier and later ripening varieties 358 GATHERING FRUITS, ETC. all separate ; when sound and bruised, early and late, are all thrown together promiscuously, they cannot fail to decay speedily and to lose their flavor; for two or three decaying apples in a heap or barrel will taint the flavor of all, and hasten the decay of those around them. This arrangement into grades and classes is, therefore, absolute- ly necessary even for the fruits needed for family use; and when they are so arranged, the sound, long keepers are put into clean, new barrels, carefully by hand, and the barrels headed up tightly and placed in a cool dry cellar or fruit room. The bruised ones can be laid in a place by them- selves for immediate use. Every barrel, when packed, should be marked. Winter Pears, as a general thing, require to be brought into a warm temperature one or two weeks before they are wanted for table use. All the baking and stewing, and even many of the table varieties, may be treated exactly like apples. Packing Pears for distant markets—The French send away more pears to foreign markets than any other peo- ple. Some small importations of their winter sorts have actually been made by some of the New York fruit dealers the present winter, 1850-51. They pack them in small boxes, either round or square, such as a man can lift and carry easily in his hands. They cover the bottom and sides with very dry moss or soft dry paper, well calculated to absorb moisture. They then wrap each fruit in the dry, soft paper, and lay them in layers, the largest and least mature in the bottom, and fill all the interstices with dry moss or paper. I have seen these boxes opened in London, in the finest con- dition, after being a month packed. They are so tightly packed that the slightest movement cannot take place among them, and yet no one presses upon another. The PRESERVATION OF FRUITS. 359 dry moss and paper that separate them, absorb any mois- ture ; and if one decays it does not affect others. Some of the Paris confectioners and restaurant keepers preserve fruits very successfully in barrels, packed in lay- ers, and the interstices filled up with powdered charcoal. The barrels are kept in a dry, cool place, about forty degrees, where they are not subjected to changes of tem- perature. Apples, pears, grapes, almonds, nuts, and pota- toes, are all preserved in this manner. Fruit Rooms.—A fruit room is a structure set apart exclusively for the preservation of fruit. Its great requi- sites are, perfect security from moisture or dampness, ex- clusion from light, and a uniform temperature. If these points are obtained, no matter where, how, or of what material the fruit room be constructed. It may be built of stone, brick, clay, or wood, above or below ground, as circumstances or taste may dictate. A good, dry, and cool cellar, is as good a place for keeping fruit in as can be provided; but the great objec- tion to cellars used for other purposes is, that currents of air are frequently admitted, and too much light, by which the temperature is changed, decay promoted, or the fruits dried and shrivelled. There are, also, other objects that unavoidably saturate the air more or less with moisture. Where a fruit room is built on the surface of the ground, it should be on the ice-house principle of double walls and doors, to prevent access of either heat or cold from with- out. A good cellar or cave, built in a dry, sandy, or gravelly bank, or side hill, will answer every purpose. The walls may be of stone, brick, or timber; the roof should be thick, with a slope sufficient to throw off water freely, and the earth about should also be so graded that water will flow away as fast as it falls. Provision may be made for lighting and ventilating in the roof, and the door or doors should be double. - 360 PRESERVATION OF FRUITS. The interior should be fitted up with shelves and binns, _ with places for barrels or other articles, in which fruits are packed. Attention to fruits in the cellar or fruit room.—The deeay of fruits is caused either by bruises or by a fungus, or species of mildew, that increases rapidly and attacks all the sound fruits within its reach. It is, therefore, necessary to examine fruits frequently, and remove all that show any symptoms of decay, before they have either affected others or tainted the atmosphere of the room. CHAPTER III. DISEASES AND INSECTS. Section 1.—DIsEAsEs. 1. The Fire Blight of the Pear, Apple, and Quince.— This is one of the most formidable diseases to which fruit trees are liable. Whether it is caused by the sun, the atmosphere, or an insect, remains in doubt, some cases favoring one opinion, some another. It attacks the trees at different periods.of the growing season, from June to September, and generally in the young parts first; the leaves flag, the sap becomes thick and brown, oozing out in globules through the bark, and emitting a very dis- agreeable odor, and the diseased branch or part turns black, as if it were burned by fire. When the pear tree is attacked it is difficult to save it, the disease spreads so rapidly. In the apple and quince it is less fatal, rarely killing more than a portion of the tree even if left to its own course. The only remedy is, to cut away instantly the blighted parts, into the sound wood, where there is not the slightest trace of the disease, and burn them up immediately. It is thought by some that young trees growing very rapidly are more subject to it than older trees growing slowly ;and that warm sunshine, with a sultry atmosphere after rain, is apt to be followed by much blight. We have always regarded the cases favoring such an opinion as accidental. 51 aie 362 DISEASES AND INSECTS. 2. Pear leaf Blight.—This disease has already been alluded to in treating of pear seedlings. It is a sort of rust that appears on the leaves in July or August, first as small brown spots; these spread rapidly over the leaves until they are completely dried up and growth stopped. It appears in a certain spot as a centre, from which it spreads. Whether it be an insect, a fungus, or some atmospherical cause that produces this blight, is unknown. Certain cases favor one or other of these opinions. More minute investigations are wanted on the subject. To avoid its evil effects as far as possible, the great point is, to get a rapid, vigorous growth, before midsum- mer, when it usually appears. Seedlings grown in new soils do not appear to be so much affected as in old. Where stocks are affected very early in the season, they become almost worthless, on account of the feebleness produced in both stem and roots by sueh an untimely and unnatural check. Some special applications, such as coal cinders, iron filings, copperas, etc., have been suggested, but no evidence has yet been produced of their efficacy. 3. The Gum in stone fruits—tThe cherry, plum, apricot, and peach, are all more or less subject to this malady. The cherry is particularly liable to it in the West. It is produced by different. causes, such as a wet soil, severe pruning, pruning at an improper time, violet changes of temperature, etc. The gumming of the cherry in the West, is considered by some to be owing in a great mea- sure to the bark not yielding naturally to the growth of the wood, and hence they practise longitudinal incisions on it. The cherry tree has a very powerful bark, and in some cases it may not yield naturally to the expansion or growth of the wood. We have seen about a foot of the trunk of a cherry tree, several inches smaller than the parts both above and below it. The bark was as smooth as glass on it, the first rind being unbroken, * DISEASES. : 363 whilst on the large parts this was quite rough. This was a ease arising from the obstinacy of the bark, and could only be remedied by longitudinal incisions on the small part. It is most probable that the extent and severity of this dis- ease inthe West is owing to violent changes from a hard frost to a bright sun and rapid thaw, by which the sap becomes deranged, and accumulates in masses. Trees that are branched near the ground, will be less likely to suffer than those with tall bare trunks. Where it has made some progress in any tree, the only remedy is to pare off the diseased bark, clean off all the gum, and let the sur- face dry up; then apply a plaster of grafting compo- sition, or a solution of gum shellac in alcohol, put on with a brush, as recommended by Mr. Downing. When the stone fruits are pruned severely in the spring, the sap does not find sufficient vent; it accumulates in masses and bursts the bark. This fact should always be kept in view in pruning, and a sufficient supply of active buds be left to absorb the sap. 4, The Yellows in the Peach.—This is supposed to arise from negligent cultivation. It exhibits itself ina yellow, sickly foliage, feeble shoots, and small fruits pre- maturely ripened. It is said to be contagious. Trees exhibiting these symptoms should instantly be destroyed. To avoid it, care should be taken to propagate from trees in perfect health and vigor. 5. Mildew on the Peach—The young shoots, leaves, and even the fruit of certain varieties, and een the glandless ones, such as Harly Anne, Early Tillotson, etc., are attacked by this. ‘The only remedies are, to give the trees a dry, good soil, that will keep them in a vigorous condition, and to syringe freely twice a day when it begins to appear. The gooseberry suffers seriously from the mil- dew, owing mainly to the heat of our summers. In 364 DISEASES AND INSECTS. Northern New York, in Maine, Vermont, and Lower Canada, the finest large English varieties are brought to greater perfection than in warmer districts, and with good culture almost come up to the English standard. Ina cold, damp-bottomed soil at Toronto, almost on a level with Lake Ontario, fine crops are produced with compara- tively little difficulty from mildew or rust. This would indicate as a remedy, a cool soil and situation, and mulch- ing the roots to keep them cool. The plants should be renewed every three or four years, and they should be kept vigorous by liberal manuring and good culture. 6. The Plum Wart or Black Knot—vThe cause of this disease is quite uncertain, but the probability is that it originates in a similar way to the gum, from an imperfect circulation of the sap, induced by violent changes of tem- perature.* Cutting out the diseased branch clean to the sound wood, the moment the knots begin to appear, is an effectual remedy, and they should all be burnt up. We have saved trees six inches in diameter, that were affected on the trunk so seriously, that one third of its thickness had to be removed to get below the disease. After it was cut out, we applied a plaster of grafting composition, covered it with a cloth, and in two years it was all healed over and sound. Plum trees are so neglected in the country, that multi- tudes of them are now standing literally loaded with these warts—not even an inch of any branch free from them— the most disgusting objects in the way of fruit trees that van possibly be imagined. 6. The Curl of the leaf in the Peach.—This disease causes the leaves to assume a reddish color, to become * We have observed that cold weather, about the blossoming period, in- duces the gum in plum trees as well as in the peach, and when it continues long, as in 1849-50 in Western New York, there is an unusual development of it. INSECTS. 3865 thick, curled, and deformed, and finally to perish. It is supposed by many to be caused by insects;* but it is really induced by a sudden change of weather. A number of warm days, that cause the expansion of the young leaves, followed by a cold rainy day, is almost sure to produce it to some extent; and the more severe and protracted the cold, the more extensive and fatal it is. The peach trees in Western New York suffered more from this in 1849-50 than in the ten years previous, owing to a protracted cold time in each season after the young tender leaves had expanded. In both these seasons the check was so severe, as not only to produce this disease in its worst form, but the gum also; for the sap not being absorbed by the leaves, became stagnant, sour, and cor- _ roded, and burst the bark. Trees in sheltered gardens suffer less than those in exposed orchards. There is no possible way of guarding against this; and the only remedy known to us is, to pick off the diseased leaves the moment the weather changes, that new healthy ones may be produced. Section 2.—Tue Principat Insects mnsurious To Frurr TREES. 1. Aphis or Plant-Louse-—There are several kinds of these. The two most troublesome to fruit trees are the green and black, small soft insects that appear suddenly in immense quantities on the young shoots of the trees, suck their juices, and consequently arrest their growth. The apple, pear and cherry, are especially infested with them. They multiply with wonderful rapidity. It is said that one individual in five generations might be the pro- genitor of six thousand millions. Were it not that they * Prof. Harris says in his Treatise on Insects, that it is caused by plant- lice puncturing the under sides of the leaves. 366 DISEASES AND INSECTS. are easily destroyed, they would present an obs*acle almost insuperable in the propagation and culture of trees. There are many ways of accomplishing their destruc- tion. Our plan is to prepare a barrel of tobacco juice, by steeping ‘stems for several days until the juice isa dark brown, like ‘strong beer; we then mix this witha solution of ‘soft soap or soap suds. A pail is filled with this, and the ends ‘of the shoots where the insects are assembled are brought down and dipped into the liquid. One dip is enough. Such parts as cannot be dipped are sprinkled liberally. It is applied to the heads of large trees by means of a hand or garden syringe. It should be done in the evening. The liquid may be s0 strong as to injure the foliage, hence it will be well for persons using it the first time to test it on one or two subjects _ before applying it extensively. This application must be repeated as often as any of the aphides make their appear- ance. The dry weather of midsummer is generally the time most favorable for their appearance. 2. The Woolly Aphis or American Blight—This is a small insect, covered with a white woolly substance that conceals its body. They infest the apple tree in particu- lar, both roots and branches, living upon the sap of the bark, and producing small warts or granulations on it by the punctures. They are more particularly troublesome on old rough-barked trees, as they lodge in the crevices, and are difficult to reach. The wind carries them from one place to another by the light down in which they are — enveloped, and thus they spread quickly from one end of a plantation to the other. Not a moment should be lost in destroying the first one that makes its appearance. Where the bark is rough it should be scraped smooth, if the roots be affected the earth ‘should be removed, and every part washed, and every crevice filled with the fol- lowing preparation, recommended in Harris’s Treatise’ INSECTS. 3867 “Two parts of soft soap and eight of water, mixed with lime enough to bring it to the consistency of thick white- wash, to be put on with a brush.” A solution of two pounds of potash in seven quarts of water will answer the same purpose. Fresh earth should be put upon the roots. 8. The Scaly Aphis or Bark Louse—This is a dark brown scale insect, that infests the bark of the apple tree. They are of a dark brown color just like the bark, and are not easily seen unless looked for. They attach them- selves closely to the bark, and sometimes are so numerous as to form a complete coating. They seldom appear on thrifty growing trees in good soil; but where the soil is damp and cold, and the trees growing feebly, this insect may be looked for. June is the time to destroy them, when they are young. At other times they are hard, and able to resist any ordinary remedy. ‘The same applica- tion recommended for the aphis, applied to them with a hard brush, will effect their destruction. Where they have been left for a long time undisturbed, and have pretty well covered the tree, the quickest and best remedy is to destroy tree and all, unless it possesses some extraor- dinary claim for indulgence. Prof. Harris mentions having found a reddish brown bark louse on his grape- -vine, arranged in rows one behind another in the crevices of the bark. 4. The Apple Tree Borer is a very troublesome insect in some sections of the country. In Western New York we have never met with it but in two or three instances, in very old, neglected orchards, that had stood for twenty years in grass. The beetle is striped brown and white, and is about three-fourths of an inch long. It deposits its egos in June, in the bark of the trees near the ground. Here the larva is hatched, becoming a whitish grub, which saws its way into the tree, perforating it in all i —_— DISEASES AND INSECTS. * directions, sometimes completely girdling it. The most effectual method to destroy them is, to insert the end of a wire into their burrow, and killing them. The same means are taken to guard against them as against the peach tree grub, viz., placing a mound of ashes around the base of the trunk in the spring, and allowing it to remain until after the season in which the beetles deposit their eggs. It prevents them from reaching the soft bark at the surface of the ground, the place usually selected. It is stated in Downing’s Fruit and Fruit Trees, that “the beetles may be destroyed in June by building small fires of shavings in different parts of the orchard.” 5. The Apple Worm.—The apple moth deposits its egos in the eye or calyx of the young fruit; the grub is there hatched, and eats its way into the fruit, leaving be- hind it a brownish powder. Sometimes the apples drop before they are half grown, and occasionally remain until they acquire a premature ripeness. Early apples are more affected, generally, than late ones, probably because in a more forward state when the eggs are deposited. When the fruit falls the grub immediately leaves, pre- pares itself a place in some crevice of the bark of the tree, and spins a thin paper-like cocoon, in which it spends the winter, to come out the following spring and reproduce it- self. There are but two ways of destroying them; one is, at pruning time in March, to search carefully for the cocoons and destroy them, and the other is to pick up promptly all fallen wormy fruits and destroy them. These two means, industriously followed, will greatly diminish the amount of wermy fruit, the increase of which is excit- ing alarm. ) 6. The Canker Worm.—This insect is confined chiefly to New England; we have never seen it in New, York. They generally emerge from the ground in March. According to Professor Harris, some rise during the late INSECTS. 869 autumn and winter months. The female has no wings, but crawls up the tree, and lays her eggs on the branches in May, in clusters of 60 to 100 in each, glued to each other and to,the bark by a greyish varnish impervious to water; the little worms fall upon the leaves, and, when numerous, devour them all, leaving only the mid-ribs. They leave the trees when about four weeks old, and descend into the ground. Their effects are most visible in June, when the trees, divested of their foliage, appear as if scorched by fire. As the female cannot fly, the great point is to prevent her from crawling up; for this purpose various means have been tried and are recommended. One of the most effectual is to tie strips of canvas around the tree and cover it with tar, renewing the tar during their whole season of rising, or from October till May. Another is, to make a close fitting collar of boards around the base of the tree, and keep them covered with tar. Mr. Jonathan Dennis, of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, obtained a patent for a circular leaden trough filled with oil, which proves an effectual preventive. 7. Caterpillars—Of these there are many kinds that are more or less destructive to the foliage of fruit trees; but the Caterpillar, described by Professor Harris as the American Tent Caterpillar, is the one that commits such general and extensive devastation in our orchards, and especially in certain seasons. The moth deposits its eggs ‘in July, in large rings, on the branches of the trees; these remain in that state until the following season, when they are hatched in the latter end of May or beginning of June. Each ring produces three or four hundred cater- pillars, and these weave a sort of web to live in. The ap- pearance of a tree with three or four of these tents upon it, and the leaves completely devoured, is really frightful. There are two ways of destroying them: one is, to examine fo 870 | DISEASES AND INSECTS. the trees carefully in February or March, ‘at pruning time, and destroy the clusters of eggs by cutting off and burn- ing the branches on which they are found. The next is to destroy the caterpillars in their tents after they are hatched. There are various ways of doing this, according to people’s fancy and ingenuity. The quickest and most effectual method is to take ‘a ladder, ascend the trees, and remove every nest with the hands. The early morning should be‘chosen, when they are in the nests. Some put a round brush on a pole and ‘put it in the nests, and by giving it a few turns web and all are removed. 8. The Cherry and Pear Slug.—This is a most destruc- tive insect. They appear in June and July for the first, and a second brood afterwards, small, slimy, dark-brown slugs on the upper surfaces of the leaves of the cherry and pear. They devour greedily the parenchyma of the leaves, leaving only the bare net-work of veins. Ina short time growth is completely stopped. Stocks for budding require careful watching, for a day or two of these slugs may prevent them from being worked that season. We ndletines them by throwing fine earth taken up with the hand among the trees, and by ashes or slaked lime, when the earth is not sufficiently dry and fine. The caustic properties of lime and ashes render them more certainly destructive to the slug, and they should always be used in preference to common earth, where only a few trees are to be gone over. A liberal syringing with the tobacco and soap liquid recommended for the aphis, but in a weaker state, is ser- viceable after the ashes and lime. It must be remembered that one application will seldom be sufficient. Some es- cape even to the third or fourth; but in all cases ‘the war- _ fare should be sustained whilst one remains. Like the aphis they are generally most troublesome in warm and dry seasons. INSECTS. 371 9. The Curculio or Plum Weevil—tThis is a small grey- ish brown beetle nearly a quarter of an inch long; the wing covers form two little humps on the back, which give it a roundish appearance, and it has a long crooked snout, well adapted to its destructive propensities. They can fly, but are not active; and by jarring the part on which they stand, suddenly, they fall to the ground, draw in their legs and appear dead. It deposits its egg in a semicircular incision which it makes in the young fruit ; it there hatches, eats into the fruit, and causes it to fall while yet green. It is the most troublesome of all insects injurious to fruits. In some places it destroys the entire crop of plums, apricots, and nectarines, and attacks even the cherry and the apple. The peach, even, is not wholly exempt, notwithstanding its coat of down. Almost every remedy that ingenuity can devise has been tried. This ‘whole book would not contain what has been written on the subject in one year alone. Yet no complete, effectual remedy has been discovered. The strongest liquid appli- cations of lime, soap, and tobacco—the most powerful and offensive odors, that repel any other insects, are en- tirely harmless and inoffensive to the curculio. There seem to be feally but two means worthy of being re- sorted to. One is, to pave, or in some other way harden, the surface of the ground, so that the grubs cannot enter it to complete their transformations. This is found effi- cient where no other trees are in the immediate vicinity not paved. We have seen many instances where good crops were obtained by this mode. The fact that they are, as a general thing, less troublesome in stiff clay soils than in light porous ones, is alone a proof of the efficacy of a stiff or impenetrable surface soil. Add to this the picking up of fruit containing the grub as soon as it drops from the tree, and before ee worm has a chance to escape. 372 DISEASES AND INSECTS. To accomplish both these ends, some people have planted their plums and apricots in a small enclosure by themselves, adjoining the hog-pen, and as soon as the fruits begin to drop, these animals are admitted, and ' gather all up, and, at the same time, tread the ground so firmly that it is almost as good as if it were paved. This is probably the easiest and best way to ensure a crop of the fruits attacked by this insect. Another way is, to jar the tree daily three or four times a day, from the moment they begin to appear, which is when the fruit is the size of a pea, until they have disap- peared, or the fruit begins to ripen, when it is no longer attacked. Serious injuries have been inflicted on plum trees, by thoughtlessly striking the bark of the trunk or a large branch with a mallet to jar the trees. The safer way is to strike on the end of a cut branch, or to fix a cushion of some soft material on the end of a short stick, and place the cushion on the tree, and strike the other end with the mallet. The insects are much easier jarred off in the cool of the morning while they are comparatively torpid. Before commencing to jar them down, a white sheet or cloth, wide enough to cover all the ground under the branches, should be spread to receive the insects as they fall, so that they may be destroyed. This was recom- mended through the “Genesee Farmer,” by David Thomas, twenty years ago. From repeated observations, [ am inclined to believe that it is quite sensitive to cold, for it is well known that in the cool of the morning it is always in a comparative state of torpor; and in the cold seasons of 1849-50, when “our peach trees and fruit were so greatly injured, the eurculio was driven off, and we had a most abundant crop of plums. A cold day or two may not affect it ; but INSECTS. 873 when it continues for two weeks, as in the years referred to, it seems to be rendered powerless for that season. 10. Ants.—These are not very destructive, yet they sometimes do considerable injury to beds of seedlings, by making their hillocks among them, and they also infest ripe truits. Boiling water, oil, or spirits of turpentine, pour ed on their Bilseka. siapanie them; and if wide-mouthed bot- ° tles, half filled with paedeaucd water or syrup, be hung among the branches of a tree when the fruit is attaining maturity, ants, wasps, flies, and beetles of all sorts that prey greedily upon sweets, will be attracted into them. Mr. Downing, who recommends this as a “ general ex- tirpator suited to all situations,” says, “that an acquaint- ance caught in this way, in one season, more than three bushels of insects of various kinds, and preserved his garden almost entirely against them.” A gentleman in Detroit, who was very careful of his garden, informed me that he had pursued this method of trapping insects with results that perfectly astonished him. He had to empty the bottles every few days to make room for more. A very good way of trapping and killing ants is, to besmear the inside of flower pots with molasses, ai turn them on their mouths near the hillock; the insects will soon assemble inside on the molasses, when they are easily destroyed by a handful of burning straw. 11. The Peach Tree Borer—This is a most destructive insect when allowed to increase for a few years without molestation. We have seen whole orchards of fine trees ruined by them. They sometimes attack even young trees in the nursery, and commit serious depredations on , their collar, rendering them in many cases quite unfit for planting. Their multiplication should be prevented by all possible means. The eggs are deposited in summer + O74 DISEASES AND INSECTS. on the base of the trunk, near the collar, where the bark is soft. There they are hatched, and bore their way under the bark of the tree, either in the stem or root, or both, producing an effusion of gum. Where trees are already affected, the proper course is, to remove the earth from around the collar of the root, clean away the gum, destroy any cocoons that may be found, trace the grub through its holes in the tree, and kill it; then fill up around the tree with fresh earth, and place a shovelful or two of ashes around the base. One of the best orchards in the vicinity of Rochester was at one time nearly ruined by the prevalence of this grub, when it changed proprietors, and the present one adopted and followed the plan recommended above, until there is not the trace of one left. The ashes or slaked lime should be applied every spring, and at the end of summer may be scattered about the tree; both ashes and lime form an excellent dressing for the peach. 12. The Rose Bug.—tThe eggs of this insect are laid in the earth, where they are hatched, and from which the bug emerges about the rose season. In some seasons and in some localities they appear like grasshoppers in vast multitudes, and commit extensive ravages, not only on the rose but fruit trees, and all other green things. There is no other way known to combat them, but to crush them with the hand—to spread cloths around the trees, and shake them down on it, and kill them. They are stupid, sluggish things, and fall as though they had no lite. In some cases fruit trees have been protected by cover- ing them with millinet. 18. Leaf Lollers—In May and June these insects may be found on the leaves of fruit trees, and especially on the pear; they form themselves a sort.of ‘cocoon out of the leaf. The leaves attacked by them should be removed and ANIMALS INJURIOUS TO ¥RUIT TREES. BID destroyed, in order to prevent their increase. The eggs are deposited on the young leaves by some of the multi- tudes of spring beetles. Srorion 3.—Anmats Insvrtovs ‘tro Frourrs anp Frorr | "TREES. 1. Birds—As a general thing, birds are more the friends than the enemies of the garden. Many of them subsist in greater part on insects, and thus perform ser- vices that are by no means appreciated. The early cher- ries are generally the greatest sufferers by them, and various devices are practised to frighten them away, the most cruel of which is shooting. Moving objects resem- bling the human figure, bits of looking-glass or tin sus- pended among the branches, etc., are often effectual. Dwarf trees are easily covered with thin netting support- ed on poles and fastened at the base of the tree. 2. Feld Mice—The most effectual preventive is clean culture. Leave no grass, weeds, rubbish, or heaps of stones around the garden or orchard,and the mice will seldom be troublesome. Their operations of girdling are principally carried on beneath thé snow, and when this is firmly trodden down as soon as jit falls, it obstructs their way. A correspondent of the “ Horticulturist” states that he has found tin tubes fixed around the base of the tree, an effectual remedy; and Mr. Hooker, of Rochester, has successfully driven them off with poison. He takesa block of wood six inches long and three or four square, and bores it lengthwise with an inch and half auger nearly through, and places in the lower end some corn meal and arsenic. He places these blocks among the ~ trees, mouth inclined downwards, “to keep the powder dry.” 376 DISEASES AND INSECTS. 8. Moles—These are easily poisoned and driven off, by putting pills of flour mixed with arsenic into their holes, and shutting them up. We have seen them banished by bits of dried codfish placed in the entrance of their holes. 4. Cats often commit serious depredations on trees by scratching the bark. Quite recently we saw a large number of beautiful fruit trees nearly ruined by them. A few briers secured around trees in the vicinity of the house, where they frequent most, will be a sufficient pro- tection. 5. Hogs—It is not generally supposed that these ani- mals will attack trees; but we have heard of a western farmer who turned in a large number of them to consume the corn that had been grown in his young orchard. When the corn began to grow scarce they attacked the trees, and not one out of several hundred but was complete- ly girdled—the bark gnawed off as far up as the brutes could reach. Where it may be desirable to turn hogs into an orchard, unless the feed be very abundant, the trees should be protected around the base with thorns, briers, or some prickly brush. ook Pee re i NURSERY, ORCHARD, AND FRUIT GARDEN IMPLE- MENTS. Tue following are the principal implements used in the propagation, pruning, and cultivation of fruit trees: Srction 1.—ImpPLEMENTS OF THE Sol. The Subsoil Plough is the great reformer of the day in the preparation of soils of all qualities and textures, for nursery, orchard, or gardentrees. It follows the ordinary plough in the same furrow; and the largest size, No. 2, with a powerful team, can loosen the subsoil to the depth of eighteen inches. No. 1 will be sufficient in clear land when the subsoil is not very stiff. The One-Horse Plough—Similar to the common plough used by farmers. It is a labor-saving implement for cul- tivating the ground among nursery trees or orchards closely planted. The horse should be steady, the man careful, and the whiffle-tree as short as possible, that the trees need not be bruised. It should neither run so deep nor so near the trees as to injure the roots. The Cultivator.—This with the plough obviates the necessity of spade-work, and, in a great measure, hoeing. If the ground be ploughed in the spring, and the culti- vator passed over it once every week or two during the summer, all the hoeing necessary will be a narrow strip 378 NURSERY AND FRUIT GARDEN IMPLEMENTS. of a few inches on each side of the row. The double- pointed steel-toothed, with a wheel in front, is the best. The One-Horse Cart.—This is an indispensable machine in the nursery, orchard, or large garden. Four-wheeled wagons are difficult to unload, and require a great deal of space to turnin. The cart can be turned in a circle of twelve or fourteen feet, and the load discharged in a mo- ment, simply by taking out the key that fastens the body to the shafts, throwing it up and moving the horse forward. Our carts are about six feet long and three wide in the body, shafts six feet long, wheels four and a half feet high, and tire two and a half wide to prevent them from sinking into the ground. ‘The box is about a foot deep, and when large loads are to be carried a spreading board is put on the top with brackets. Cost from $30 to $50. The Wheelbarrow (fig. 132)—Every man who has a rod of ground to cul- tivate should pos- sess this machine. g In small gardens it (\QY is sufficient for the conveyance of all manures, soils, pro- ducts, etc., and in larger places it is al- ways needed for use, where a cart cannot go. The handles or levers should be of ash or some tough wood, and the sides and bottom of any light wood. The Segoe is soft wood, shod with iron. Fig. 132. Wheelbarrow. Vig. 133. . Spade. The Spade (fig. 183).—The best kinds of these in use IMPLEMENTS OF THE SOIL. 3879 are Ames’ cast-steel; excellent, strong, light articles. They work clean and bright as silver. There are several sizes. For heavy work, trenching, draining, raising trees, etc., the largest should be used. Fig. 134. Shovel. _ The Shovel (fig. 134).—This is used in mixing, loading, and spreading composts and short manures. The blade should be of cast-steel. Fig. 135. Digging Fork, or Forked Spade. The Forked Spade (fig. 185)—This resembles a fork. It has three stout cast-steel tines, at least an inch wide, and pointed. It is used instead of a spade to loosen the earth about the roots of trees, to turn in manures, etc., being much less liable to cut and injure them than the spade. Fig. 136. Dung Fork. The Dung Fork (fig. 136).—There are several kinds. 3880 NURSERY AND FRUIT GARDEN IMPLEMENTS. Those of cast-steel, cut out of a solid plate, with three or four tines, are the best, light and durable. It is the only implement proper for loading, mixing, or spreading fresh rough manures with facility and despatch. — The Pick.—This is a useful, and even indispensable implement in the deepening or trenching of soils with a hard subsoil that cannot be operated upon with the spade. It consists of an ash handle, and a head composed of two levers of iron pointed with steel, and an eye in the centre for the handle. The Garden Line and Reel (fig. 137).— The line should be a good hemp cord, from one eighth to one fourth of an inch in diameter, attached to light iron stakes about eighteen inches long. On one of the stakes a reel is attached. This is turned . by means of a handle, and the line neatly Me, aka and quickly wound up. The Hoe.—tThis is a universal instrument in this coun- try. In some cases, all the gardening operations are per- formed with it. Its uses in tree culture are to open trenches for seeds, to cover them, to loosen and clean the surface of the ground from weeds, &c. There are two kinds, the draw hoe, figs. 138, 189, 140, and the Dutch, Fic, 138. Fre. 139. Square draw hoe. | Triangle draw hoe. or thrust hoe, fig. 141; this we do not use at all. Of the IMPLEMENTS OF THE SOIL. 881 different kinds and forms of the draw hoe. The most generally useful is the square, a cast steel plate, about Fig. 140. Semicircular draw hoe. _ Fie. 141. Dutch hoe. six inches long and four wide, with a light smooth handle. The semicircular and triangle hoes may be advantageously used in certain cases. Fie. 142. Garden rake, The Rake, fig. 142, is used to level, smooth, pulverize, and clean the surface of the ground after it has been spaded or hoed, or to prepare it for seeds, &c. They are of different sizes, with from six to twelve teeth. The best are those of which the head and teeth are drawn out of a solid bar of steel. Those that are welded and riveted soon get out of order. Section 2.—IMPLEMENTS FOR CouTTING. - The Pruning Saw—This is used for cutting off 382 NURSERY AND FRUIT GARDEN IMPLEMENTS. branches, either too large for the knife, or so situated that the knife cannot operate. It has various sizes and forms. Some are jointed, and fold like a pruning knife; others are like the common carpenter’s handsaw, fig. 143, but smaller and stouter. , Fie. 143,—Pruning saw. Fia. 144.—Bow saw. The Bow Saw (fig. 144).—This is the most generally useful form for the gardener, or nurseryman. The blade is very narrow, and stiffened by an arched back. It is fastened at both ends by a rivet to the screw on which the back turns, and by which it is adapted to different pur- poses. It is indispensable in making horizontal cuts, close to the ground, as in heading down. Some are set with a double row of teeth on one side, and the edge is much thicker than the back; these work much easier than those toothed in the ordinary way, and it would be an object to have them where much saw prun- ing is to be done. Wherever the saw is used, the cut surfaces should be pared smooth with the knife, to facili- tate its healing. Long handled pruning saws are sometimes recom- mended, but never should be used in pruning fruit trees. The branch to be operated should be reached by means of a ladder, if need be, within arm’s length, and cut with a@ common saw. IMPLEMENTS FOR CUTTING. 383 Hand Pruning Shears (fig. 145).—There is a kind of these made now, that 1 a moving centre, as in the My Ny = ile A mah ert 111] Fie. 145, figure, make a smooth draw cut almost equal to that of a knife, and it is a very expeditious instrument in the hand of a skilful workman. In pruning out small dead branches, shortening in peach trees, &c., it will perform four times as much work as a knife. Pole Pruning Shears.—These resemble the hand shears, but are worked by a string passing over a pulley, and are fixed on a pole of any required length. They are used in cutting scions, diseased shoots, &c., from the heads of lofty standard trees. = Grape Scissors.—These are small sharp pointed | scissors for thinning Fic, 146.—Grape scissors. bunches of grapes. The Pruning Knife—The best for coe purposes Fra. 147.—The pruning knife. Fic, 148.—The budding knife. are those of medium size, with a handle about four inches long, smooth, slightly hollowed in the back; the blade about three aa a half inches long, three- aeations of an inch wide, and nearly straight. For very heavy work a larger size may be necessary. ‘“ Saynor’s” (English) knives of this kind are unsurpassed in material and finish. 384 WURSERY AND FRUIT GARDEN IMPLEMENTS. They are to be had in the seed stores at $1 to $1 25 a-piece. The Budding Knife—This is much smaller than the pruning knife, with a thin straight blade, the edge some- times rounded at the point. The handle is of bone or ivory, and has a thin wedge-shaped end for raising the bark. Budders have various fancies about shape and size. The Grafting Chisel. —This is used for splitting large stocks; Fie. 149.—Grafting Chisel. the blade is about two inches long, and an inch and a half wide, in the shape of a wedge; the edge curved so as to cut, and not tear the bark; the handle eight or ten inches long, at the end of which is a narrow wedge to keep the split open until the scion is inserted. The whole is of steel. Some are made with the blade in the middle, the wedge at one end, and a hook to hang it by on the other. Foote’s Stock Splitter —This is an implement invented by A. Foote, Esq., of Williamstown, Mass., to facilitate cleft grafting. It consists of asharp blade, ¢, and a groove, Fre. 150.—Foote’s stock splitter. a, sheathed with leather; the handles are of wood, and the whole implement about eighteen inches long. The stock is placed in the groove, and the blade brought down upon it by the lever which acts upon a small wheel, 0. It performs splitting both neatly and quickly. LADDERS AND FRUIT GATHERERS. 885 Section 3.—LADDERS AND Frurr GATHERERS. Ladders—Of these there are many kinds. For the fruit garden, where the trees are low, the self-supporting adder (fig. 151) is the most convenient and best. It should be made of light wood, with flat steps, so that a person can stand upon them and work. The back, or supperts, con- sist of one or two light pieces of tim- ber, fixed at the top with hooks and straps so as to be contracted or ex- tended at pleasure. A ladder of this kind, six or eight feet high, will an- swer all the demands of a garden. Orchard Ladders are of various kinds. For pruning or gathering the fruit from lofty trees, a great length of ladder is necessary; it is there- fore desirable that the material be as light as possible consistent with the necessary strength. Sometimes these long ladders are composed of several smaller ones, that fit into one another, all mounted on a frame with a small wheel, by which they are easily moved about. The Folding Ladder is a very neat and convenient article for many purposes. The inside of the styles is hollowed out, and the steps are fastened to them by means of iron pins, on which they turn as on hinges, so that the two sides can be brought together, the steps turning into the grooves or hollows in them, the whole appearing like a round pole, B. It is more easily carried and placed where wanted than the ordinary ladder. A represents it open, and B closed (fig. 152). There are also self-supporting orchard ladders, com-* ie Self-supporting ladder. 886 NURSERY AND FRUIT GARDEN IMPLEMENTS. posed of three upright pieces of any required length, and spread widely at the bottom to give them stability. Two Fie. 152. Folding ladder. of the sides are fixed, and are furnished with steps all the way up. The third is longer and movable, and can be extended or contracted at pleasure. A piece of board wide enough to stand upon can be extended from one side to the other, resting upon the steps at whatever height it is desirable to work. On the movable side a pulley is fixed, by which the baskets of fruit are let down as they are gathered. Two persons or more can ascend and work on a : ladder at the same time. Fig. 153 represents one of these; a, b, the two fixed sides; C, the movable one. It is considera- bly used in France. The Orchardists’ Hook.—I\s a light rod, with a hook on one = end, and a movable piece of 7/ / wood that slides along it. - A c The person gathering fruit /4 draws the branch towards him with the hooked end, and re @ eae tains it there by means of the sliding piece which is hooked to another branch. This is an indispensable instrument in gathering fruit from large trees. _ Fruit Gatherers—Of these there are many designs by French Maes foe orchard ladder. MACHINES FOR WATERING. 387 which the fruit may be taken from the tree by a person standing on the ground. None of them are applicable to the gathering of fruits that are to be kept long, because it is impossible to avoid bruising them more or less, and besides this they operate slowly. They answer very well for gathering a few ripe specimens for immediate consump- tion. The ladder, hook, and hand, are the only safe and expeditious fruit gatherers. Some are made in the form of a vase of wood or tin placed on the end of a pole. The edge of the vase is toothed, and when the stem of the fruit is taken between two of the teeth, and slightly twisted, it drops. Others are composed of a pair of shears on the end of a pole, to which a basket is attached that slides up and down the handle. The Grape Gatherer resembles a pair of shears com- bining the property of pincers. They cut a bunch of grapes, and hold it firmly until it is brought down. These are very useful for gathering a few bunches of grapes from the top of a house or trellis (fig. 154). Fie, 154, Grape Gatherer. Section 4.—Macutnes ror WATERING. The Hand Syringe (fig. 155).—This is a very useful implement for sprinkling and washing the foliage of trees in dry weather. There are various kinds eee of tin, copper, and brass, and sold at various prices. Whatever sort is used ional have several caps (A) to regulate the 388 NURSERY AND FRUIT GARDEN IMPLEMENTS. quantity or shower of water discharged; and they should also have an inverted or “ gooseneck” one (2B) to throw Fie. 155. Hand Syringe. the stream, if necessary, on the under side of leaves, or in any oblique direction. There are, also, hand engines, barrel engines, and bar- row engmes, all of which are very useful. In every large garden there should be both the syringe and one of these engines ; for watering is a most important affair in gardening under our hot sun and protracted droughts. Ml pa 3 umn | Lo : l toca Pm Fie. 156. Barrow Engine. Lhe Barrow Engine (fig. 156) is the most useful for general purposes ; it is easily moved from one place to another. The improved kinds are easily worked, and the MACHINES FOR WATERING. 389 water-box being provided with a strainer, excludes any- thing likely to derange its operations. The Garden Watering-pot (fig. 157).—This is a tin or copper vessel that may hold from one to four gallons of water, with a spout six or eight inches long, by which the water is discharged. There should be a rose or roses, as in cut, to fit on the Fie. 157. Garden Watering-pot. spout, pierced with large or small holes, by which the _ water can be discharged in a shower. Every pot may have several roses pierced with holes of various sizes, to adapt them to different purposes. ete ay ay a! re Gi ; i hee A ‘i tt Ase ufo mi, wae ; iB, vy ba ; a ie ee Pon * INDEX. Arr, importance of, to the germination of seeds, 46. Alluvial soils, nature of, 49. Almonds, select varieties of, 351. Anthers, the, 28. Ants, method of destroying, 373. Aphis, the, how to destroy, 134, 366; the woolly aphis or American blight, 366; the scaly aphis or bark louse, 367. Apple, the, principal stocks in use for, 108; time for budding, 133; dwarf apple tree, 189; pruning the, 203; management of the standard apple tree, 204; dwarf standards, 206; pyramids, 207; pruning the branched yearling, 210; treatment of two-year old nursery trees, 211; management of the fruit branches, 217; pruning and management of, as a dwarf on the paradise stock, 218; as an espalier, 220; renovation of pyramidal trees, 271; fire blight of, 361; insects infesting the, 367; apple tree borer, description of, and means of destroying, ib. ; the apple worm, 368. Apples, forms of, 40 ; abridged descriptions of one hundred and thirty-three select varieties of summer, autumn, winter, and apples for ornament and preserving, 279-297; small select lists of, suitable for Western New York, 297. Apricot, the, stocks for, 119; as a dwarf standard, 194; pruning and ma- nagement of, 245. Apricots, abridged descriptions of seven select varieties of, 320, 321. Ash, the mountain, as a stock for the pear, 115. Bark, the outer, 4; the inner, 5. Barrow engine, the, 388. Berberries, method of propagating, 148 ; select varieties of, 347. Birds, manner of protecting fruit against, 375. Black knot, the, or plum wart, 364. Blackberries, 347. Blossoming, period of, infiuenced by various conditions, 31, 32; in alternate years, 34. 7 392 INDEX. Branches, the, various subdivisions of,7; pruning, 88; removal of large, 89; management of fruit, 217. Budding, method of, 70; conditions necessary to the operation of, 71; imple ments requisite for, 71,72; cutting, preparing, and preserving the buds, 72; chief difficulty experienced by beginners in, 74, 75; time for, 133; inse-tion of the bud, 134; untying the buds, 135; treatment of the grow- ing bud, 136. Buds, nature and functions of, 14; different names and characters of, 15; variations in the size, form, and prominence of leaf buds, 17; fruit buds, 18; leaf and fruit buds how distinguished, 20. Bushes, dwarf, 142. Calcareous or chalky soils, nature of, 49. Calyx, the, 28. Cambium, nature of, 24. Canada or wild plum, the, 120; time for budding, 133. Canker worm, the, 368. Cart, the one-horse, 378. Caterpillars, methods of destroying, 369. Cats, method of protecting trees from, 376. Cherries, forms of, 43; abridged descriptions of fifty-five select varieties of heart, bigarreau, duke and morello, and new and rare cherries recently brought to notice, 321-329; small select lists of, 329. Cherry, the, principal stocks in use for, 115; time for budding, 133; in the pyramidal form, 191; pruning the, 224; as a standard, 225; to form a round open head, 225; as a pyramid, 226; as an espalier, 227; as a dwarf or bush, 228; effects of the disease called gum on, 362. Chestnuts, method of propagating, 148; select varieties of, 351, 352. Chinese‘ layering, description of the process so called, 122, 125. Chisel, the grafting, 384. Clayey soils, nature of, 48. Cleft grafting, 79. Corolla, the, 28. Cotyledons, the, 44. Cultivator, the, 377. Curl of the leaf in the peacn, the, 364. Currant, the, method of propagating, 147; pruning and management of, 265 , as a pyramid and espalier, 266. Currants, abridged descriptions of eleven select varieties of, 341, 342. Cutting back, object of, 207 ; process of, 208; summer management of trees cut back, 213. Cuttings of fruit trees, how te make, 65; time of making, soil proper for, and time of planting, 66; method of preserving, 67; treatment of, when transplanted, 127. INDEX. . 393 Diseases of fruit trees, description of and remedies for, 361. Distance at which standards should be planted in the nursery, 129. Double-working, explanation of, 81. Doucain, the, method of propagating, 110. Draining, process of, 52. Dubreuil, M., his summary of the general principles of pruning, 96. Dung fork, the, 379. Dwarf standards, 131; management of, 140, 206; dwarf bushes, 142; dwarf apple tree, 189; the cherry as adwarf or bush, 228. Enclosures, various kinds of, for orchards, 163: for fruit gardens, 181. Espaliers, method of forming, 143; proper distances between, 201; the apple and pear as, 220; the cherry as, 227; the peach as, 236; method of laying in, and fastening to walls and trellises, 243; the currant as, 266. Fences, materials for making, for orchards, 163; for garaens, 181. Fibres, the, or rootlets, 2. Fig, the, propagation of, 160; suitable soil for, 261; pruning and training of, 7b. Figs, select varieties of, 350, 351. Filbert, the, method of propagating, 148; as a dwarf and pyramid, 194; pruning and training, 257; account of the management of filhert orchards in the county of Kent, England, 7. Filberts, abridged descriptions of six varieties of, 352. Fire blight, the, of the pear, apple, and quince, 361. Flowers, different parts of, 28; sexual distinctions of, 29; method of im- pregnation of, 30; double, 31; different characters of, 32; hybridization of, 33. ~_ Foote’s stock splitter, 384. Fruit rooms, requisites for, 359. Fruit trees, names, descriptions, and offices of the different parts of, 1; fruit branches and fruit spurs, 10; fruit buds, 20; propagation of, by seeds, 60; general carelessness in the selection of the seeds of, 61; production of new varieties of; 63; propagation of, by cuttings, 65; propagation of, by layer- ing, 67—by suckers and by budding, 70; propagation of, by grafting, 75; pruning of, 83; method of regulating the growth of, 92; method of pro- moting the fruitfulness of, by pinching, 94; budding, grafting, and manage- ‘ment of, in the nursery, i32; taking up, from the nursery, 150; method of packing, 151; process of heeling in, 153; permanent plantations of, 157; proper soils for different, 162; points to be considered in selecting varieties of, for an orchard, 164; arrangement of, in an orchard, 167; pruning and preparing, for planting, 174; how to select, for the fruit gar- den, 188, 195; age of, for the fruit garden, 195; arrangement of, in the fruit garden, 199; sundry operations connected with the culture of, 272; diseases peculiar to, 361; insects injurious to, 365. 394 INDEX. Fruitfulness, method of promoting, by pinching, 94. Fruits, nature and classification of, 34, 35; forms and colors of, 36; different parts of, 7b. ; size of, circumstances influencing the, 37; classification of the size of, 39; form of, 40; color and flavor of, 43; abridged descriptions of select varieties of, 277; directions for the gathering, packing, transpor- tation, and preservation of, 354; the best fruit gatherers, 387. Fruit Garden, the, general remarks on, 178; situation for, 179; soil of, 180; enclosures for, 181; manner of laying out, 183; the mixed, or fruit and kitchen, 185; walks in, 186; a supply of water important for, 187; how to select trees for, 188,195; age of trees for, 195; arrangement of trees in, 199; implements usedgin, 377; machines for watering, 387. Gathering fruits, proper period for, 354 ; mode of, 355; disposition of fruits after gathering, 356; implements used in, 386. Germination, process of, 45. Gooseberries, abridged descriptions of five select varieties of, 342, 343. Gooseberry, the method of propagating, 147; pruning, 262; method prac- tised in Lancashire to produce large gooseberries, 264; severely affected by the mildew, 363. Grafting, process and objects of, 75; implements used in, and grafting com- position, 77; whip-grafting on the root, 78; cleft grafting, 79; precau- tions to be taken in, 81; double-working, 7b. ; implements used in, 384. Grape vine, the, methods of propagating, 145; general observations on the management of, 245; planting, 248; pruning, 249. Grapes, culture of foreign, in cold vineries, 253; abridged descriptions of four select varieties of hardy grapes and nine varieties of foreign grapes, 348-350; instrument for gathering, 387. Gravelly soils, nature of 49. Growth of trees, method of regulating the, 93. Gum, the, in stone fruits, 362. Heading down, process of, 85. Heart or perfect wood, the, 5. Heat, effect of, on the germination of seeds, 46. Heeling in, process of, 153. Hoe, the, two kinds of, 380. Hogs, method of protecting trees against injuries caused by, 376. Hook, the orchardist’s, 386. Horse plum, the, 119. Hybridization, explanation of the process of, 33. Implements used in the orchard, nursery, and fruit garden, 377. Insects, the principal, which infest fruit trees, 365. Knife, the pruning, 383; the budding, 384. INDEX. 395 1 sbels for trees in the nursery, 149 ; manner of labelling, 150. Ladders, orchard, folding, and self-supporting, 385. Layering, process of, 67, 125; propagation of plums by, 122; treatment of layers when transplanted, 127. Leaf rollers, 374 Leaves, structure and functions of, 21; different forms and characters of, 25. Light, exclusion of, necessary for the germination of seeds, 47. Line and reel, the, 380. Loamy soils, nature of, 49. Mahaleb, the, 117. Manures, importance of, 54; preparation of, 55; special, 56; modes of apply- ing, 58; liquid, 7. Manuring, proper method of, 272. Mazzard seedlings, 115. Medlar, the, treatment of, same as that of the quince, 224. Medullary rays, 7. Mice, method of protecting fruit trees from the ravages of, 375. Mildew, the, in the peach, 363. Moisture, effects of, on the germination of seeds, 45. Moles, method of guarding against the ravages of, 376. Mulberries, method of propagating, 148 ; varieties of, 348. Mulching, operation of, 176, 273. Nectarine, the, stocks for, 119; as a dwarf standard, 194; pruning the, 246. Nectarines, abridged descriptions of seven select varieties of, 329, 330. Nursery, the, soil of, 105; method of laying out, 107; situation of, and succession of crops in, 7b.; directions for planting stocks in the nursery rows, 127; budding, grafting, and management of trees in, 132; treatment of the soil in, 144; labels for trees in, 149; taking up trees from, 150; implements used in, 377. Orchard, the, situation of, 158; soil of, 161; how to prepare the soil for, 162; selection of varieties of fruit trees for the family, 164; kind of trees to be selected for, 166; arrangement of the trees in, 167; selection of trees for the market, 169; planting the, 175; management of trees in, 177; implements used in, 377, 385. Ovary, the, 29. Packing trees, proper method of, 151; method of packing fruits, 357. Paradise, the, method of propagating, 111. Parenchyma, nature of, 22. Parsons, S. B., his orchard of pear trees, 172. Peach, the, principal stocks for, 117; times for budding, 133; as a dwarf standard, 193; pruning and management of, 229; to form the head of a 3896 INDEX. standard peach tree, 231; root pruning, 233; conducted in the form of a vase, 7b. ; as an espalier, 236; symptoms of the yellows and mildew in, 363; insects infesting, 373. Peaches, forms of, 42; abridged descriptions of thirty-eight select varieties of freestone and clingstone, 330-335: select list of, 335. Pear, the, principal stocks in use for, 111; time for budding, 133; as a pyra- mid, 190, 207; in the dwarf standard form, 191, 206; management of the standard pear tree, 204; pruning the branched yearling, 210; treatment of two-year old nursery trees, 211; management of the fruit branches, 217; as an espalier, 220; renovation of pyramidal trees, 271; fire blight of, 361; pear leaf blight, 362. Pears, forms of, 41; varieties of, that succeed well on the quince, 172; abridged descriptions of one-hundred and eighty-two select varieties, of summer, autumn, winter, pears for baking and stewing, and new and rare varieties, 299-319; select assortments of, 312; method of packing for distant markets, 358. Peaty soil, nature of, 49. Petals, the, 28. Pick, the, 380. Pinching, nature and objects of, 92. Pistil, the, 29. Pith, the, 5. Plant louse, the, ravages of, and method of destroying, 365, 366. Plantations of fruit trees, different kinds of, 157. Plants, exhalation of moisture and gases by, 22; propagation of, 60. Plough, the subsoil and one-horse, 377. Ploughing, subsoil, 50. Plum, the, stocks for, 119: the horse, ib.; the Canada, or wild, 120; the cherry plum, id. ; the sloe as a stock for, 121; propagated by layers, 122; time for budding, 133; as a pyramid, 192; as a dwarf standard, 193; pruning and management of, 244; diseases of, 364. Plums, forms of, 42; abridged descriptions of fifty-one select varieties of, 335-340; small select lists of, 341. Plumule, the, 44. Pruning, importance of the operation of, 83; various objects to be attained by, 84; to direct the growth from one part to another, 7b. ; heading down, . ~ 85; to maintain an equal growth, to renew growth, and to induce fruit- fulness, 86; pruning the roots and pruning at the time of transplanting, 87; mechanically considereg, 88; season for, 91; general principles of, as laid down by Dubreuil, 96; directions for the pruning of stocks, 125; pruning the apple and the pear, 203; the quince, 222; the cherry, 224; the peach, 229; the plum, 244; the apricot, 245; the nectarine, 246; grape vines, ib.; the filbert, 257; the fig, 260; the gooseberry, 262; the currant, 265; the raspberry, 267; implements used in, 381. INDEX. 397 Pyramids, management of, 140, 207; renovation of, 271. Quince, the, as a stock for the pear, 113; erroneous ideas concerning, 114; as a dwarf and pyramid, 194; pruning and training of, 222; fire blight of, 361. Quinces, abridged descriptions of seven select varieties of, 319, 320. Rake, the, 381. Raspberries, forms of, 43; method of propagating, 148; abridged descriptions of six select varieties of, 343, 344. Raspberry, the, planting of, 267; pruning, 268; manuring and training, 269; French and English modes of training, 269, 270. , Root, the, the several parts of, 2; growth of, 3; whip-grafting on, 78; pruning, 87, 90; method of planting root-grafts, 131. Rosebug, the, 374. Sandy soils, nature of, 48. Sap, the, ascent, assimilation, and descent of, 24; tendency of, to the grow- ing points at the top of a tree, 85. Sap- wood, the, 5 Saw, the pruning, 381; the bow, 382. Scions, selection and treatment of, for grafting, 76. Scissors, grape, 383. Seed, the, composition of, 44; germination of, 45; propagation by, 60; selection of, 61. Seedling apple, the common or free stock, preparing, saving, and planting the seed of, 108; after management of, 109; the pear seedling, 111. Shears, hand pruning and pole pruning, 383. Shovel, the, 379. Sloe, the, as a stock for the plum, 121. Soils, different kinds of, 48; different modes of improving, 50; proper, for the orchard, 161 ; annual cultivation of the soil, 272. Spade, the, 378; the forked spade, 379. Spongioles, the, 3 Staking, process of, 176. Stamens, the, 28. Standards, management of, 137; dwarf, management of, 140. Stem, the, the different parts of, 4; structure and growth of, 6; the branches divisions of, 7; pruning, 88. Stigma, the, :29. Stocks, necessity of a close alliance between, and grafts, 76; description and propagation of, 108; for the apple, 7. ; for the pear, 111; for the cherry, 115; for the pack, 117; for the card nectarine, and aban: 119; trans- planting, 122; time and manner of taking up, 124; pruning stocks, 125; . op MP peo Be hal g ae “e bhai ae weet {7 ree A+. $40 ; arth be re Sta Fm i 7 ie & F “ a. tes 7 ‘ : ¥ f * brig, Bi x i te: : whet ky oa aE han malt nis a ¥ # we i =a ui Min he Py 4 at wan han . WAN in AY j Ts aft, . q * ag TL) Ke \. : a ‘ ens * ity : * Pa : S} * y LIBRARY OF CONGRESS iii 00009170753