fJQ TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



When I set trees upon level ground, which I have done, I plow In 

 lands so as to raise the roots of the trees at least six inches above the 

 general level, and for ten feet from the tree on each side. In this way, 

 I have excellent results, because the roots stand above Avater. I have 

 set two rows of apple trees ten feet apart, to serve as a wind break, and 

 on these trees I have, for five years past, had more fruit than from trees 

 set twenty feet apart. I have noticed the same advantage in close plant- 

 ing in other instances. 



Mr. Galusha — I once saw an old orchard, near Mt Vernon, 111. 

 that had been planted about twelve feet apart ; and it looked like a 

 grove of timber — a forest. The fruit was so far skyward that it was 

 not worth gathering. If gentlemen will plant forest-orchards, they will 

 have forest trees. 



Dr. Humphrey — I will say, these trees of which I speak are head- 

 ed back, and not allowed to run up. 



Mr. Flagg — I would like to call out Mr. Bryant, Jr., upon the sub- 

 ject of orchards protected by forest trees. I wish to know if his own 

 orchard which is surrounded by forest trees, continues to bear Avell 1 



Mr. Bryant, Jr. — I would say, it is one of the best orchards I 

 know, it bears good crops, but the timber which formerly surrounded it 

 has been cut off. In regard to this matter of close planting, I may say 

 that we have another orchard planted, one hundred trees to the acre, 

 (about twenty feet apart) and the trees are too thick ; the most of the 

 fruit upon the lower branches is inferior to that in the tops of the trees 

 where the sunlight can strike them. The trees have not been shortened 

 back, as Dr. Humphrey suggests. 



This discussion was ended here, by general consent, and the subject 

 next in order was taken up. 



DISCUSSION ON NEW VARIETIES OF APPLES. 



Mr. Flagg — There is one apple to which I would like to call your 

 attention, that promises to be a valuable variety; I gave a drawing of 

 it recently in the Prairie Farmer — The apple is called Peak's Fall, and 

 comes from North Carolina. It is evidently a seedling of Rawles Janet ; 

 it has the color, size, texture, and pretty nearly the taste of the Janet 

 and has the same persistency to hang on the tree. It seems to me, 

 from what I have seen of it, that it promises to be a valuable variety 

 for early winter use. With us, it would probably ripen in December; I 



