We shall find, however, that while Nature is
prodigal in supplying what appeals to the palate and satisfies
hunger, she is also like a graceful hostess who decks her banquet
with all the beauty that she can possibly bestow upon it. We can
imagine that the luscious fruits of the year might have been
produced in a much more prosaic way. Indeed, we are at a loss to
decide which we value the more, the apple-blossoms or the apples
which follow. Nature is not content with bulk, flavor, and
nutriment, but in the fruit itself so deftly pleases the eye with
every trick of color and form that the hues and beauty of the
flower are often surpassed. We look at a red-cheeked apple or
purple cluster of grapes hesitatingly, and are loth to mar the
exquisite shadings and perfect outlines of the vessel in which the
rich juices are served. Therefore, in stocking the acre with
fruit, the proprietor has not ceased to embellish it; and should
he decide that fruit-trees must predominate over those grown for
shade and ornament only, he can combine almost as much beauty as
utility with his plan.
All the fruits may be set out both in the spring and the fall
seasons; but in our latitude and northward, I should prefer early
spring for strawberries and peaches.
By this time we may suppose that the owner of the acre has matured
his plans, and marked out the spaces designed for the lawn,
garden, fruit trees, vines, etc.
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