344 TEjjsfSACTioNs OF cou:nty 



the mauner of eultivatiou, and coincided with the views expressed hj Dr. Hooton. 

 Continued cultivation from early spring to late fall, as practiced by himself the last 

 season, had produced the most favorable results. He gave a detailed description of the 

 formation of buds, branches, leaves and fruit. The necessary elements were gathered 

 and stored in the tree for the production of fruit the coming season. In favorable sea- 

 sons but little artificial help was needed; but in case of a drouth the growth of a tree 

 would be suspended, and a season of rest follow. Then when the rains came a prema- 

 ture growth would not be in a condition to bear much exposure. But keeping the 

 ground loose and free from weeds, the growth of the tree could be continued through 

 a drouth, unless it was unusually severe, until October, when the natural time for rest 

 would commence and the tree would possess a vigorous vitality to wiljhstand the dan- 

 gers of the winter. Was aware that practical experience makes sad havoc with many 

 fine spun theories. However, his own experience and reflection had induced him to 

 believe impUcitly in tlie good old fashioned adage, that ' ' by the sweat of thy face shalt 

 thou eat bread," and thought it would apply quite as pertinently to peaches. The 

 captain came very near being eloquent in his glowing description of the size and vigor 

 of our peach trees: had seen fruit trees of this variety in New Jersey, in Michigan, in 

 the South, and otlier localities, but for large, thi'ifty, vigorous trees, he had never seen 

 any to equal those in oiir own -vicinity, and attributed the fact to our peculiarly favor- 

 able soil and climate. 



Brunton said that deep tillage eflectually root prunes, insures good drainage and de- 

 stroys large numbers of injurious insects. There might be danger that the cultivator 

 would take too much from the soil in the shape of fruit or vegetables, or both, without 

 replacing it, but not necessarily so. For large peaches it was necessary to have a large 

 growth of ~Avood. Thought it probable that root pruned trees would be short lived, as 

 the roots do not penetrate the hard pan. Was convinced that tile drainage will not 

 make our hard pan porous. 



Eldridge considered it very important that the ground should be placed in good con- 

 dition before planting the trees, by thorough plowing, sub -soiling, and throwing the 

 land into ridges to secure drainage . 



Pi-esident Pullen was in favor of cultivation through the season. Alluded to the 

 results in Mr. Tunnicliff's orchard for two seasons just past, as being a case in point 

 and aflbrding strong evidence for thorough cultivation. His orchard is on both sides 

 of his house, the rows next to his house on each side are in sod; that the fruit on these 

 rows was very inferior to those adjoining which were cultivated and were of the same 

 variety. The trees were filled about aUke, but the fruit on the cultivated trees was so 

 much larger that the yield was nearly double. The relative value was three or four to 

 one : for while he sold the good fruit at a fair price, he had to send the other to the dry- 

 house to realize anything from it. 



Pullen claimed for thorough cultivation over the let alone system, the following 

 results : 



1st. A longer lease of life by from one-lourth to one-third. 



•2d. An increased amount of fruit, in bulk. 



3d. Superior quality of fruit. 



4th. Greatly increased returns in money as the result of the above. 



5th. It is one of the best general remedies known as an insect destroyer, whether of 

 the class that destrovs the fruit or that which attacks the body, limbs or foliage. 



