space between each two rows of plants may be filled up with Cabbage or Colewort plants. If the ground produces clubbing, wood ashes will be found of great service, putting a good portion round the roots of each plant when withdrawing the dibber, or the plants may have their roots dipped in a puddle made of soot, wood-ashes, and cow-manure. The Early Ulm and Gilbert's Universal needs not more than 15 inches from plant to plant each way, but the Drumhead Savoy should be allowed as much as 2 feet if the sand is rich where they are planted.

BROAD BEANS.-To assist them in podding, should have their tops cut off when the earlier flowers have set, and the pods are commencing to swell. In light soils a mulch may be put on alongside the row. This will greatly improve the crop.

FRENCH BEAN8.-Sow more seed, and earth-up early-sown plants, supporting them, if tall, with twigs or strands of soft string stretched along the rows, supported at intervals. C. J Waite, Glenhurst, Esher.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

THE COOL-HOUSES. Some difficulty will be experienced in keeping aphis in check on flowers and spikes of Odontoglossum crispum, but if a careful watch be kept no harm will be done. The best way to remove aphis is to get a bucketful of strong softsoapy water, and hold the spike of flowers above the surface of the water and gently brush off the insects into it; any with buds not much advanced will be the better if the whole spike is dipped, the fingers being passed along from base to point so as to more effectually clear off the insects-always rinse the plants in clear soft water soon afterwards. Plants which are throwing up growths are sure now to become a prey to aphis, and these plants should be examined every morning; my own practice is to pass the young foliage between the thumb and finger, crushing the aphis-the plants being syringed afterwards. Oncidium Marshallianum is very subject to attacks of thrips unless grown in a cool-house, as it should be. I have in a previous Calendar mentioned the best mode of growing this plant; it only remains to say that it should at this season be kept clean, and syringed overhead at least three times a day whilst warm weather continues. Should the plants be allowed to get dry, new growth is apt to start away again at the base of the imperfectly-finished growth of the present year, to the injury of the plant for an indefinite period. Oncidium macranthum is, perhaps, for all purposes, the pick of the whole genus; the plant is handsome in leaf and flower, and a free grower, but it must be kept in the coolest part of the house, and if possible near the door, which may be left open when the thermometer outside registers 40°. Thrips are its worst enemies, and when it is grown too warm, they are sure to make their presence apparent by the discoloration of the foliage; the plants, too, soon lose the green colour so characteristic of them when in health.

INTERMEDIATE-HOUSE-Coelogyne cristata is, perhaps, the best amateurs' Orchid for winter flowering. The plants are now making growth, and the grower's endeavour should be to make that growth strong, as on this will depend the number of flowers on a spike. Coelogynes require nutritious soil, and if they are potted in the compost given in a previous Calendar, they may safely have manure afforded in liquid form twice a week, guano being one of the best forms of it. Inexperienced growers of the white var., C. hololeuca may feel distressed at the manner in which the bulbs shrivel up after flowering, but they need not be apprehensive, and no water must be given. The appearance is quite natural, and the plant does not really suffer, and it is, perhaps, the best grower of the genus. A. G. Catt, Parkfield, Hallow.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

THE MANAGEMENT OF BEDDING PLANTS.-In order to induce the plants to make growth, and thereby cover the space allotted to them quickly, all flowers showing for the next few weeks should be persistently removed, and with the same object in view, the surface of the soil in which the plants are growing should be deeply stirred a few times with the Dutch hoe during the next three or four weeks, which will, in addition to accelerating the growth of the plants, destroy weeds. Trailing plants,

and those of straggling habit of growth, as Verbenas, Petunias, Heliotropes, and Calceolaria amplexicaulis, should be spread out and pegged down to prevent their getting broken by the wind. Put supports to Dahlias and Hollyhocks, allowing sufficient space in the ties for growth, and at the same time reduce the number of stems of the last-named plants to two only, in the case of strong well-established plants, and to one stem in the case of weaker plants, retaining the strongest, as a matter of course. If not already done, plant a groundwork of silvery-leaved Sedum in beds planted with tuberous-rooted Begonias. Small tufts put in at 3 inches apart will soon cover the ground, and thereby prevent the flowers being splashed by heavy rain. The Sedum also contrasts most effectively with the large green foliage and bright and various coloured flowers of the Begonias.

HERBACEOUS BORDERS.-Aquilegias, Hemerocallis, Pyrethrums, Pæonies, Delphiniums, &c., are now rendering a good account of themselves in many out-of-the-way borders and beds, as well as in the borders on either side the central walks in kitchen gardens usually devoted to the culture of these and other showy and useful flowers of the same class. The only attention required in this department during the next two weeks will be to keep the beds and borders clean, and the plants needing support tied up as occasion arises, and to remove all decayed flowers and leaves at short intervals.

ROSES. The present is a busy and anxious month with rosarians. Where fine solid blooms are aimed at, all but one-the leading or crown bud-on each shoot should be removed as soon as fairly well formed, so as to throw the strength of the plant into those which are left, and all shoots and suckers springing from the stems and roots of standard trees should be rubbed off and pulled up as soon as they appear. In the case of limited collections, the flowering period may be considerably extended by leaving two or three sizes of buds to form the crop in thinning, doing this at intervals of a few days. Climbing Roses should be attended to in the way of thinning out weak or superfluous shoots, and securing those left in position on walls, rustic poles, arches, &c.

RHODODENDRONS-As these showy shrubs go out of flower, the seed-pods should be cut off, to enable the plants to make free growth, which would hardly occur if they were exhausted by great seed production. Cut into shape any straggling or overgrown plants, which may usually be performed in such a way as not to spoil the appearance of the plants, the young growths soon hiding the wounded branches. The same remark applies to such shrubs as Weigelas, Syringas, Brooms, Berberries, Laburnums, and Lauristinus.

GENERAL WORK.-Mowing, cutting the edges of turf, brushing, weeding and rolling the walks, are the order of the day; and grass-mowing having usually got somewhat behind, owing to the pressure involved in bedding-out, may now be got well in hand again. H. W. Ward, Longford Castle, Salisbury.

THE

HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

PEACH AND NECTARINE TREES.-These trees will be growing fast, and the shoots must be laid in that are wanted for the proper furnishing of the trees from top to bottom with fruiting wood, and laid in thinly. Employ the garden engine daily, so as to keep the foliage clear of the green and black-fly, which the cold winds and chilly nights favoured in development, and which could not be got rid of till the bloom was set. Where the engine cannot be employed, a few washings with Quassia-water and the syringe will destroy them. Red-spider may be got rid of by the free use of water driven against the foliage from opposite directions. The fruit has set very plentifully, and thinning has to be timely carried out. In thinning the fruits, do so more freely over weak trees and on parts of trees that are deficient in vigour, and always leave the best-placed and finest fruits. Young trees, when they are making unsatisfactory growth, should not be allowed to carry more than one or two fruits.

STRAWBERRIES.-Where forced plants are planted out after fruiting, no time should be lost in getting this work performed, first dipping the foliage in a weak solution of Gishurst compound soap, or soft-soap and sulphur, as a means of stopping mildew and

red-spider. Reduce the balls slightly, moisten them, and plant firmly, but not ramming the soil about them if it be heavy. On light land, a mulch is of benefit.

GOOSEBERRIES.-Bushes of dessert kinds should be mulched with strawy manure; also red and white Currants, placing the mulch close up to the stems. Dessert fruits should always be kept in a quarter by themselves, so that they may be netted up from the birds. Those fastened to trellises should be neatly tied in, and suckers not required for training up must be grubbed out. H. Markham, Mereworth Castle, Maidstone.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

WINTER-FLOWERING STOVE PLANTS.-Most of the different kinds of winter-flowering stove plants should at this date be put into the pots in which they are intended to flower, as, by potting the plants at this time, the wood will become perfectly matured before autumn arrives, and without which it is impossible for the plants to bloom satisfactorily. Guard against giving larger shifts than are necessary to carry the plants well on to the flowering season, any assistance at the proper time being afforded by the use of liquid manure. Avoid the application of manures, except to very gross-feeding plants, before the soil has become full of roots, and then as a top-dressing only.

SCUTELLARIA MOCCINIANA.-Plants struck in the spring should be shifted into 48's or 32's according to strength, making use of a compost consisting of fibrous loam, leaf mould, a small quantity of rotten manure, and sufficient sand to keep the mass porous. As the plant is a free bloomer, it should not be stinted for root space, but shifted as soon as the roots have fairly well filled the soil; also stop the shoots occasionally, to induce the formation of laterals.

ERANTHEMUM PULCHELLUM.-Young stock of this useful plant, which may be standing in 32's, should be shifted into 24's, and if a portion of this stock of plants be required to bloom late, these may have their shoots stopped once more. Plants which bloomed last year, and were cut back, are those that will be found the most suitable for producing early blooms, and if they are vigorous, they may be shifted into 10 or 12-inch pots.

PLUMBAGO ROSEA.-Plants which may have been struck this season will require to be shifted into 32's, and should the plants not be sufficiently well furnished with stems, they may be stopped once more. Allow them as much light as possible from the time the cuttings are struck until they come into flower. All of the above-mentioned plants will do better in low, heated pits than in the stove proper, and they should be well syringed morning and afternoon, shutting up the structure about 3.30 P.M.

WINTER-FLOWERING BEGONIAS.-Supposing that the younger portion of the stock of these plants is still in small pots, it is now time to afford them a shift into 6 and 7-inch pots, according to their strength, which should be the final one. A good compost for these fibrous-rooted species is one that consists of three-parts good fibrous loam, one of leafmould and sharp sand; and be careful in making the drainage good, and making the soil firm when repotting the plants. Should the shoots be few in number, it will be advisable to pinch them back once more after they have become established-but this should not be done later than the end of July. A low pit or frame, with a trifling amount of bottomheat, and standing the plants on a coal-ash floor. wide enough apart for the sun to reach every part of the plant, is a very suitable place for these Begonias. Shade in the hottest part of the day, only for two or three hours, and only during bright sunshine. Begonia leaves do not burn readily, but full exposure makes them of an unpleasant red colour sometimes. R. Milner, Penrice Castle, Swansea.

EDITORIAL NOTICES.

All communications intended for publication, as well as specimens and plants for naming, should be addressed to the Editor, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications should be WRITTEN ON ONE SIDE ONLY OF THE PAPER, and sent as early in the week as possible.

LOCAL NEWS.-Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending to the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be of interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists. PLANTS, &C., TO BE NAMED.-Correspondents sending plants or fruits to be named, or asking questions demanding time and research for their solution, must not expect to obtain an answer to their enquiries in the current week. Specimens should be carefully packed and numbered, and not more than six should be sent at one time. Advertisements should not be sent to the Editor, but to the Publisher, at the above address.

The Chemistry of Fruits.

A VERY interesting and valuable paper has just been published by Dr. L. L. VAN SLYKE, Chemist of the New York Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva, on "Fruits, from a Chemist's standpoint," of which the following is an abstract. Although this paper is not intended to be one capable of direct application to daily practice in fruit growing, yet it supplies many facts deserving of careful consideration. The topics under discussion by the author are:

1. The proximate or general composition of fruits.

2. Some of the unsolved problems relating to the chemistry of fruits.

Proximate Composition of Fruits.-Fruits, in general, contain the following chemical compounds and classes of compounds:-1, water; 2, albuminoids or nitrogenous bodies; 3, ash or mineral matter; 4, vegetable acids; 5, fatty oils; , ethers, or ethereal oils; 7, carbo-hydrates.

1. Water. The following figures will serve to give a general idea as to how much water some of our common fruits contain. Grapes, 78 per cent.; Cherries, 80 per cent.; Peaches, 80 per cent.; Plums, 81 per cent.; Pears, 84 per cent. ; Apples, 85 per cent.; Raspberries, 88 per cent. ; Strawberries, 88 per cent.

2. Albuminoids or Nitrogenous Compounds. -These embrace a number of different compounds, all of which are alike in containing the element nitrogen, in addition to carbon, oxygen,

and hydrogen; they also contain sulphur and, sometimes, phosphorus. Taking the same eight fruits as before, the quantity of albuminoids contained in them is as follows:-Apples, 0'4 per cent.; Pears, 0·4 per cent.; Raspberries, 0·4 per cent.; Plums, 0.5 per cent.; Strawberries, 0.5 per cent.; Grapes, 0.6 per cent.; Peaches, 0·7 per cent.; Cherries, 0 7 per cent.

3. Ash or Mineral Matter.-When any fruit is burned as completely as possible there remains a small amount of ash, representing for the most part the so-called mineral matter in the fruit, the average quantities are:-Pears, 0.3 per cent.; Grapes, 0.5 per cent.; Raspberries, 0.5 per cent.; Apples, 0.6 per cent.; Plums, 06 per cent.; Cherries, 0.7 per cent.; Peaches, 0.7 per cent.; Strawberries, 0.8 per cent.

4. Vegetable acids. The acids which occur most commonly in fruits are:

Malic acid, generally regarded as the one most frequently causing acidity in our common fruits. Citric acid, familiar to us in the juice of Lemons.

Tartaric acid, abundant in Grapes.

Acids may be present in fruits in two forms. First, in the form of free acid; second, in the form of salts. The sourness of fruit to the taste is not necessarily an indication of the relative amount of free acid, since, of two fruits, the one containing the larger amount of acid may taste the less sour, the acidity being masked by the presence of a larger amount of sugar, pectin, &c. To the physiological action of the vegetable acids, and their salts in the body, is mainly attributed the healthfulness of fruits as an article of diet.

5. Fatty oils.-These substances are familiar under the name of vegetable oils, their amount in fruits is not large.

6. Ether or ethereal oils. To the presence of these compounds fruits owe their characteristic flavours. Their quantity is very minute.

7. Carbo-hydrates.-Under this general term is grouped (1) cellulose, (2) starch, (3) sugars, (4) pectin substances.

(1.) Cellulose constitutes the framework of the cells of which vegetable organisms are made up. Those parts of fruits, such as outside covering or skin, seed-coverings, stones, &c., and portions of the fruit pulp which are insoluble in water, consist mostly of cellulose.

(2.) Starch does not appear to be present in ripe fruit-at least, not to any extent.

(3.) Sugars.-The sweet portion of fruits consists mainly of two kinds of sugar: glucose, or Grape-sugar; and fruit-sugar. The average amount of sugars in fruits is as follows:-Plums, 4 per cent.; Raspberries, 4 per cent.; Peaches, 4.5 per cent.; Strawberries, 6 per cent.; Apples, 7 per cent.; Pears, 8 per cent.; Cherries, 10 per cent.; Grapes, 14 per cent.

As is well known, the proportion of sugar in fruits can be increased by cultivation. For example, cultivated Strawberries contain nearly twice as much sugar as the wild Strawberries.

(4.) Pectin substances include several compounds. The principal ones of these are called pectose and pectin. The former causes the hardness of unripe fruits. The amount in ripe fruit is small, being as follows:-Strawberries, 0.5 per cent. ; Raspberries, 0.7 per cent; Cherries, 2 per cent. ; Grapes, 2 per cent.; Pears, 4 per cent.; Apples, 6 per cent.; Peaches, 7 per cent.; Plums, 8 per

cent.

The Relation between the Chemical Composition of Fruits and the value of Fruits as Articles of Diet. The value of a fruit as an article of diet depends on its agreeable taste, and on its refreshing character, due to the physiological action of

the free acids and alkaline salts contained in the fruit. The agreeable taste of fruit depends on the following things: 1st, on its aroma or flavour; 2nd, on a due proportion between the acid, sugar, pectin, &c.; and 3rd, on a due proportion between the soluble and insoluble constituents. This latter determines, to a considerable extent, their nutrient value as food.

Taking the dry matter of fruits, that is, the amount of substance left after all the water is removed, the relative proportions of soluble and insoluble substances are as follow:

The soluble portion consists mainly of sugar, pectin, and acids, with small amounts of albuminoids and ash. The insoluble portion consists mainly of cellulose or woody fibre. What we call luscious fruits are those which contain a very large proportion of soluble substances; such fruits seem to melt in the mouth.

Unsolved Problems relating to the Chemistry of Fruits. In regard to this point, the author says practical experience proves, in a general way, that the use of fertilisers does influence the composition of fruits. The goal to be striven for should be such a control of conditions as to produce colour, flavour, texture, sweetness, &c., at will, in fruits. That we are very far from attaining such an end is evident. How nearly we can approach to such an ideal, remains to be seen. J. J. Willis, Harpenden.

GARDENERS' ORPHAN FUND.-A Rose fair in aid of this Fund will be held at the Royal Aquarium, Westminster, in connection with the Rose and Begonia Exhibition, announced for the 24th and 25th inst. Contributions of Roses for sale will be gladly accepted by Mr. R. DEAN, the Superintendent of the show, and the same may be sent to him at the Royal Aquarium, so as to arrive on the morning of either of the above-mentioned days.

LADY HORTICULTURISTS-A ladies' branch is about to be added to the Swanley Horticultural College in Kent, and a house is to be opened for the reception of lady students. Several ladies have already entered their names.

BUTLEY TULIP SHOW. The sixty-sixth annual exhibition took place as usual at the Orange Tree Inn, Butley, near Macclesfield, where the show has been held uninterruptedly since its establishment. The hostess, Miss KITCHEN, is the Treasurer of the Society, and some member of the family has been connected with the show from the time of its commencement. It was in all respects an excellent exhibition, the time suiting the flowers; and Mr. JAMES W. BENTLEY, the Hon. Secretary of the Royal National Tulip Society, must be congratulated upon winning the Silver Cup offered for six flowers, one feathered and one flamed of each of the three classes. Mr. BENTLEY is a young grower of great promise, and maintains the floral traditions of his family, his father having been a successful cultivator and judge in his day. Eight stands of flowers competed for the Cup, and as only one prize was offered and awarded, the exhibitors who were unsuccessful were allowed the privilege of breaking up their stands, and placing them in the other classes. There was a large attendance of visitors to the show, but they were not admitted

until the whole of the flowers were arranged, terracefashion, in the dining-room-a custom at the oldfashioned Tulip exhibitions. A large party sat down to dinner, Mr. SAMUEL BARLOW, J.P., of Manchester, President of the Society, occupying the chair.

EAST ANGLIAN HORTICULTURAL CLUB.-We learn from the Eastern Daily Press that it was unanimously resolved at the usual monthly meeting of the above club on Wednesday, June 10, that the members should unitedly pay a visit to the Crystal Palace on the occasion of the Great Floral Fête, which is fixed for Wednesday, July 15-the pecuniary outcome of which is to go to benefit the Gardeners' Orphan Fund, and in this manner associate themselves in brotherly fashion with that larger body of philanthropists.

STRIKES AND TIMBER.-It may be pertinent here to ask if strikes have any influence on the growth or maturing of timber? Possibly they may have such. It has been known for some time that the carpenters and joiners intended to take extreme measures if their demand for an eight-hours' day— and an increase in the pay therefore--were not conceded; and most certainly wise employers of labour cast about long ago for means by which to minimise their losses, provided a strike came to pass. One means was to reduce orders for the shipment of timber from foreign parts. This has been done, as shown in the Board of Trade returns for May, where one item alone-sawn timber-shows a reduction of 131,700 loads, of the value of £347,070. Taking up the returns for March last, we find an increase in sawn timber of 8605 loads over the same month in 1890; in hewn timber there is also an increase of 2117 loads. In April there is but one increase under the head "wood," viz., in hewn timber, of 4853 loads. The figures for May are as follow:hewn, decrease 24,742 loads; sawn, decrease 131,700 loads; mahogany, decrease 701 tons. The total value of these three items alone is £468,872; a very serious fact, if we may attribute this decrease to the action of the Union. The following short tabulated statement is given for ready comparison :—

men, MM. J. ANDRIES and DE MUNTER, on their experiences this year, and we here detail some of the facts with which they furnished us. The following species and varieties of Narcissus were planted in September and October; they were well-rooted, and planted at a depth of from 4 to 5 inches; they were covered over for a depth of from 2 to 2 inches with a mulch, they got through the winter well, and grew to a good size: bicolor fl.-pleno, Emperor, albus odoratus, albus plenus odoratus, albus odoratus præcox, Empress, Horsfieldii, Incomparibilis florealbo, Incomparabilis giganteus (Sir Watkin), Macleaii (Diomedes minor), major flore-pleno, princeps, The followRip van Winkle, Sulfer Kroon.

cana

ing species and varieties, planted in the same way at the beginning of November, were similarly covered up and were frozen through, this proves that early planting and the use of well-developed bulbs constitute the best means of resisting the ravages of frost. Another advantage of this method of cultivation is, that the ground above them is deeper and keeps off the frost. Narcissus (Tazetta), dubius, Constantinple double, Narcissus bifrons, biflorus, Nelsoni majus, Queltia fœtida, rugulosa, stellatus, and most of the Sparaxis were frozen, although they were planted early, 4 inches deep and covered over to a depth of 24 to 23 inches. The Babianas and Tritomas fared better, but still they suffered considerably. The Ixias did better than the Sparaxis, which were treated similarly. Agapanthus umbellatus were covered over with horse-dung to a depth of about 6 inches, nevertheless, they were frozen through. Agapanthus minor Mooreanus was similarly treated, and was not injured. The following species of Allium were planted at a depth of 3 or 4 inches, but lightly covered over, and were not hurt : acuminatum, album, Cydni, descendens, fragrans, magicum, Moly, Murrayanum, narcissiflorum, neapolitanum, pedemontanum, roseum. Alstroemerias aurantiaca, Hlava, chilensis, planted 1 foot deep, and covered to a depth of 4 or 5 inches, stood the weather perfectly. Alstroemeria braziliensis, which was treated in the same way, was frozen. Amaryllis belladonna planted at a depth of 6 inches, with a covering 4 to 6 inches deep, were almost all frozen. Arums planted 4 inches deep, kept in the ground 4 inches below the surface, were quite uninjured; the species were: - albi-spathum, alpinum, Arisarum riense, italicum, maculatum, marmoratum, orientale, and ternatum; but crinitum, dracunculus, Dioscoridis, and spectabile were all frost-bitten. The Botryanthus, planted 3 to 34 inches deep, lightly covered, all did well. The Brodima, at a depth of 3 to 32 inches, covered with 2 to 24 inches of soil, all did well, and resisted the winter perfectly. The Camassias, treated The Montas were the Brodiæas, also did well. bretias, about 6 inches below ground, were mostly frozen; the most hardy variety Pottsii were unharmed. The Ornithogalum, treated as were the Montbretias, and planted 42 inches deep, survived; the species were atticum, junceum, narbonense, nutans, pyramidalis, sulphureum, umbellatum ; while the following varieties were frozen: arabicum, aureum, longebracteatum. The following genera and species resisted the weather without any covering, Tulips, Erythronium, Colchicum, Fritillaria meleagroides, Crown imperials, canguinaria, Trillium, Corydalis, Dodecatheon, Scilla sibirica, S. nutans, S. campanulata, S. biflora, Chionodoxa, Puschkinia, Ficaria, Thalictrum, Cyclamen europeum, Bellevalia, Milla uniflora, Lilium tigrinum splendens, L. tigrinum, L. tigrinum flore pleno, all the varieties of L. Thunbergianum, candidum, as well as all the other species except Lilium speciosum album Kraetzeri, which does not seem very hardy. The Hyacinths, which were covered with horse-dung to a depth of 14 to 2 inches, successfully resisted everything. The greatest havoc which was made among bulbous plants was attributed to the thaw, which was felt at a depth of 4 to 6 inches, and which lasted a long time; the bulbs were thus soaked in mud, which froze again at a temperature of from 32° to 0° Fahr., the ground which had at first thawed, froze again until it was like a sheet of glass. B.

Here there is shown an increase of £1,036,693 although there is a decrease in three items-animals, food and drink, and metals, of about £1,000,000 sterling. The imports for the five months show an increase of £1,403,453.

Turning now to the exports for May, we find a decrease under every item-the total being £3,196,306-and here our preliminary notes are of assistance. There is the American tariff to make & memorandum of, and the sad state of affairs in South America. The five months' record shows a decrease of £3,391,295. The "acute" stage would appear to be the past month-it is to be hoped that stage is quite past. It may not be quite out of place to remark that the tariffs appear to be exercising the minds of statesmen in both the United States and France. In the latter country the free admission of raw silk is being seriously recommended; the industry affected by the tariff is a most important one, considering what we are more than attempting to do at home. There remains now but to notice those matters most especially affecting growers of fruits and vegetables, the imports of which, during the past month, are here appended :

DRYING APPLES.-The following account of an Australian method of drying Apples is not without its lessons to English fruit growers :-" There is no doubt that the artificial process of drying Apples is the most expeditious, and makes the best colour (where a little sulphur is used), but at the same time the sun-dried Apples have the best flavour, and are the best for home use on that account. The apparatus

is simply an ordinary table 12 feet long (but it The side can be made of any size) and 4 feet wide. boards are put out nearly flush with the top, and from the ends you can draw out two long trays the whole length of the table, with legs at the end to