Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 3, 1802).djvu/330

308] of July, it is equally fit to be dried and preserved for use.—The tree remains of a small size, like the Morels in general, and has dependent branches; but it is exceedingly fruitful, immediately after the first year of engrafting.

.

An orchard that is encompassed by a wall, or railed with suitable boards, not only affords protection to the fruit, but its value may be considerably enhanced by the rearing of dwarf-trees. The most profitable and delicious of this description are doubtless the Peaches, especially if they be intended for sale in a public market: hence we shall concisely state the principal sorts of such fruit as may be planted with the greatest advantage on the eastterneastern [sic] and southern sides.—Early peaches are always more favourably situated in an eastern than in a southern aspect; for, when placed in the former, they are not so liable to be injured by night-frosts as in the latter: on the contrary, late peaches require more solar heat, and will consequently be better adapted to a southern exposure.—Apricots, likewise, may be more easily and beneficially raised on the east than on the south side of the garden; because the heat of the sun exsiccates, and renders them mealy; independently of which circumstance, they are in the meridian direction more liable to be injured by night-frosts.—The western wall will be most usefully formed into espaliers of Cherry and Plum-trees, as likewise for planting early Grapes.—Lastly, even the northern side is advantageously employed by the skilful gardener, who will, in this situation, endeavour to introduce the best species of hazle-nuts, filberts, &c.

Plantation along the Eastern side of the Wall, or Railment; consisting of early Peaches and Apricots.

If the wall, or other inclosurseinclosure [sic] round the orchard, be from 7 to 8 feet high, the espalier ought to occupy a space of from 12 to 14 feet. In case, however, the wall should be only 6 or $6 1⁄2$ feet high, it will be necessary to form the plantation of peaches, at the distance of 18 or 20 feet from the neighbouring trees.

I. The following list contains a view of the most valuable and early sorts of Peaches and Apricots, which should adorn the Eastern side of the Wall.

1. The Small Naked Early Peach (Petite Violette-hative) yields a tolerably mellow fruit, of a yellowish shade, but rose-coloured about the kernel; its juice is strongly aromatic, and of a delicious taste. It ripens in the beginning of September, somewhat earlier than the large variety of the same name.

2, and 3. The Pine-Apple Apricot, is one of the most savoury; more oblong than round, marked with deep-red spots on the south side, and, in other parts, of a golden tint. Its pulp is throughout of a reddish-yellow colour, and contains a highly flavoured, palatable juice. It never turns mealy, like the other sorts, and ripens about the middle of August. Its kernel is as sweet as an almond.

4. The Brussels Apricot (Abricot de Nancy), is of a considerable size; somewhat oval, being slightly red; and for the most part of a pale yellow shade; its pulp is reddish-yellow, and mells in the mouth; the