58 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



The first thing, then, in order is location ; this cannot always be to 

 our liking, because the orchard must be in proximity to the dwelling ; 

 but when a northern exposure can be obtained it is desirable, for the 

 following reasons : To avoid the sun in winter, and early frosts in the 

 fall, and late frost in spring. You may ask, how is this? When we have 

 an early frost in the fall, the wind is invariably in the north, and blows 

 the frost over on southern slopes where it is still. For this reason frost 

 settles on low grounds first. 



Another advantage is, the buds do not start so soon in spring. 



The same rule holds good for spring frosts. 



Preparation of Grounds. — It is presumed, of course, that you find 

 the ground in good tilth ; if not, better defer the setting till it is. I used 

 to dig borders, or holes, but now I dig them as large as my field, by plow- 

 ing and trench plowing. If the ground should naturally be low, it 

 would be wise to back furrow and ridge up before planting. 



The Trees. — Purchase your trees of the nearest reliable nurseryman. 



I am not in favor of planting trees as small as some of you gentle- 

 men, for the reason they are soon lost sight of. They are too often 

 grown on the 5 to 7 foot system, without regard to body. But I shall 

 have to stop here, or I shall be looked at sharply. But I will remark 

 here that we have got the price so low that no nurseryman can grow good 

 honest trees, and live. I prefer trees three and four years old. Avoid trees 

 that have forks or crotches, for they will be liable to split in after years. 



Distance to Plant. — This will vary somewhat in the habits of the 

 trees, but, promiscuously, 24 to 30 feet. 



Number of Varieties. — How many of us have made sad mistakes 

 endeavoring to obtain the greatest number of varieties. I, myself, have 

 fifty comparatively worthless varieties. Twenty is about the number that 

 is required. 



Of course you will have to consult your market whether you will 

 have the most of summer, fall, or winter. Plant your trees two to four 

 inches deeper than they stood in the nursery. Pack the soil firmly, be 

 careful not to have any vacancies about the roots, stake and mulch. 

 Drive your stake eight inches from the tree, on the southwest side 3 make 

 a band of hay, or otherwise; put your band around your tree, then put 

 the ends together and twist hard ; open the ends and tie around the stake. 



After Treatment. — Thumb and finger pruning looks well on paper, 

 but is detestable in practice. Don't plant your orchard until you can 

 fence it. 



Cultivate any hoed crop for the first eight or ten years, then seed 

 to clear clover. In process of time the blue grass will run the clover out, 

 then it will have to be plowed again. 



The question is often asked, in case of failure, or otherwise : What 

 is your soil or your subsoil? I am thoroughly a climatologist. When 

 the climate is right, then the soil is right also. Not but what soil has 

 much to do, yes, very much. But we lay too much stress on soil. This 

 year you notice the climate is all right and an abundant crop — nothing 

 said about what is your soil or subsoil. 



