262 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



perpendicular position if possible. I regard a northern or northeastern slope 

 with timber protection on the north and west, the most favorable location. A 

 lake or stream of water at the foot of the hill on which the orchard stands is 

 favorable, and is something of a protection to the orchard against spring and 

 autumn frosts. 



Methods of setting so as to secure accuracy were discussed, and all agreed 

 that the only way to secure perfect accuracy was by the eye. Some would set 

 a stake for every tree, while some had been successful by setting the trees by 

 two ranges of stakes set at some distance in advance. A device, shown by J. 

 A. Frost, for securing accuracy, after the spot had been determined, Avas ap- 

 proved. It consists of two pieces of wood about three feet long and two inches 

 wide, joined by a hinge. The outer end of one piece is forked or deeply notched ; 

 the other piece bears two pins, six inches or more long, one near each end, 

 protruding from the side opposite the hinge. Before the hole is dug the 

 notched end is placed at the exact point where the tree should stand. The pins 

 are forced into the ground and the piece bearing the notch is folded back upon 

 the other. After the hole is ready the notched piece is restored to its position 

 and the tree placed in the hole so that it rests in the notch, and the earth 

 being filled in, it remains in position. 



The secretary then read the following paper from the Rev. J. F. Taylor, of 

 Saugatuck : 



PLANTING PEACH TREES. 



This subject naturally suggests location, preparation of the soil, distance be- 

 tween trees, method of planting and treatment during the first summer. 



In speaking on this subject, with these subdivisions, we shall endeavor to 

 point out the best conditions which observation and experience have indicated 

 for successful peach growing. 



Location: A few trees may very appropriately find a place on every farm; 

 but when the peach orchard is to be a principal source of revenue for the fam- 

 ily, the location should be such as not to disappoint the hopes of the planter. 

 He wants peaches, not every third, fourth, or fifth year, but every year. His 

 daily bread comes through the peach. It is not a luxury, it is a staple to him 

 and his family. Viewed in this light, location is of the first importance. Not 

 every spot of ground, even in this favored latitude, is desirable for a peach 

 orchard. Low lands are especially to be avoided. Frosty places are of very 

 doubtful propriety, for while the trees may do well for a time the fruit-buds 

 will often be injured when they are nearly ready to open. Elevated lands are 

 therefore most valuable for peach growing. Our coldest weather generally 

 comes when there is no wind, and the injury to fruit buds is done when there 

 are no air currents to break the intensity of the cold. Even elevated plains 

 are not as free from severe frosts as rolling land. A sheltered location is not 

 necessary, and may be far inferior to one where the west wind can sweep along 

 in all its accustomed fury. . 



Preparation of the soil : This part includes dryness. Good locations are not 

 always dry enough for the healthy growth of peach trees. Like feeble children, 

 they must not be allowed to have wet feet. Gravelly and sandy soils are for 

 the most part sufficiently drained, unless an impervious subsoil holds the water 

 near the surface. Then artificial drainage becomes necessary. Clay lands 

 frequently hold water during the winter and spring months. In all such cases 

 drainage is of the highest importance. The unfavorable effect of standing 

 water around the roots of peach trees cannot be well understood until the 



