Nebraska advertiser., 1856-10-25
Department.
From the Ohio Cultivate
CTTTURE OF - APRICOT.

CULTURE OF TIE APRICOT.
The Apricot is one Of the most de-
sirable of all fruits, and with a little
skill and attention to guard againstthe
ravages Of the curculio and exposure
to cold winds, the crep may be as certain
as that of the peach, and much more
profitable. We have known several
trees IN Columbus, standing in shelter
ed situations, that have borne good
crops as often as three years out Of
five, and afforded more profit to their
owners than any other trees On their
premises. They are Of the varieties
called Early Golden, Large Early, and
Black apricot. The last named especi-
ally is a very hardy and productive
variety, the fruit resembling a plum in
appearance, ane selling for a large
price at the confectionaries. The fol-
lowing is abridged from a communiea-
tionm a late number of the Horticul-
turist. NJ. B. B.
at is remarkable that a fruit of so
much excellence as the Apricot, ripen-
ing before the best early peaches.
shouldbe so little known, commanding
as it does the highest price in the
market. Inasmuch as | have been
quite successful in the cultivation of
this fruit, | propose to say a few words
on this subject for the benefit of those
persons who have failed in it's culture,
and those, also, who are afraid to try.
on account Of its great enemy the
curculio. I viii state that I am located
on the east bank of the Hudson River,
twelve miles below the city of Hudson.
The soil on the ridges is strong loan.
with a clay subsoil, containing a large
percentage Of lime. This is the favo-
rite soil Of the Apricot; the trees grow
moderately fast, and make a good, firm
growth of wood, that generally stands
our cold winters well. The most irving
time for the Apricot, with us, is when
in full bloom; at that period we fire.
quently have cold, windy weather, and
sometimes frost. On referring to nv
journal, [ find the following entries
April 16; 1854, commenced showing
very fast; wind, northwest; snow fell
a foot deep; fruit buds of the Apricot
just ready to burst. May Z. Apricots
in full bloom; cold north wind; made
ice, that night, t"hree-eighths of an
inch in. exposed places. Notwithstand-
ing the colo and frosty weather of the
7tbof May, all Apricot trees in shell
tered places had a pretty good crop Of
fruit. Last season 1855 they pro-
duced an abundant crop, especially
where they stood somewhat sheltered
setting twice as much fruit as they
could with safety mature. When the
fruit was half grown, 1 picked about
two bushels of, scarcely any of them
showing the mark of the %curculio; as
the fruit advanced towards matrity, it
wasyquite evident there was not half
enough off yet. However, there was
no more taken of the trees till the fruit
got-ripe, but if I had taken twice the
amount off, in a green state, that I be-
fore mentioned, the crop would have
sold for more. The crop during the
past season has not only been crafty.
ing to my pride as a fruit grower, but
has proved eminently profitable, con.
sidering thelabor bestowed. From 2;
trees, part nine years planted, and the
balance planted within the last foul
years, there were taken u bushels Of
this delightful midsummer fruit, which
sold, in the New Yorket, at price,
ranging from S5to SO per bushel, The
most of them for the latter price.
In conclusion, I. will say, brothe,
fruit growers, if you have tried to grow
this. truly golden fruit, and have beer
disappointed, "try again" is the motto
Some writer's say: "Don't plant il
warm. situations, as on the warm side
of a building, or other sheltered sit
facing the SUM-" This advice may b,
proper in some places, but it certainly
is not here. BY all means, plant il
sheltered places if possible, for it i
well known that a cold north wind il
very destructive to this fruit, when i
is in full bloom. A. tight board fence
z or 8 feet bigh, affords very gooc
shelter for the Apricot and Grape, etc
Apricot trees can be planted on the SUI
side within three feet of the fence
they should be cut back, for two o.
three years, so as to form compact AM
low headed trees
% rs3s- -o