298 



[Senate 



THE SOIL FOR AN ORCHARD. 



Nearly all good fertile soils in the State, not too wet, too shallow, 

 nor too dry, are well adapted to the apple. Land which will raise 

 good corn, will generally raise good apples. Where the soil for the 

 intended orchard has been enriched by several previous manurings, 

 the growth of the trees will be much more vigorous, and the fruit 

 larger and finer. The apple is benefited by a large quantity of ma- 

 nure, provided it is very thoroughly intermixed with the soil. 



PLANTING. 



The DISTANCE asunder must depend upon various circumstances. 

 Where land is cheap, and an early, large return from it is not desired, 

 the trees may be set quite remotely, or as far apart as 40 or 45 

 feet ; in which case they will not crowd each other when thirty years 

 old. But where the land is dear, and the quantity limited, the trees 

 may be set from 25 to 30 feet, or even nearer, on small pieces of land, 

 where space is of more value than a few trees afterwards to be thin- 

 ned out. 



In large orchards, intended for the market, it would be of advan- 

 tage to ascertain beforehand the usual size the several sorts attain 

 when of full growth, and accommodate the spaces accordingly. 

 Thus, the Esopus Spitzenburg, Rhode Island Greening, and Fall Pip- 

 pin, should have one-half more ground than the Swaar, Black Gilli- 

 flower, and Tallman Sweeting ; and the latter more than the Bough or 

 the Yellow Harvest. In order thus to accommodate the ground to 

 the size of the variety, and yet preserve straight rows in the same 

 orchard, the distance may be varied only one way, as represented 

 in the annexed figure. A. indicates the ground for the smallest trees 

 ^ — B. for the largest, and C. for those of medial size : 



B 



