SECRETARY'S REPORT. 205 



bear fruit as well, as those in cultivated orchards. The objection, 

 that the fruit that falls before time to gather is lost, is not of much 

 force, for it is eagerly sought by almost every creature on the farm, 

 and does them good, besides which, this method secures the destruc- 

 tion of the eggs and larvae of injurious insects (like the apple- worm, 

 which is in many places a great pest,) which may be contained in 

 the premature fruit which falls early, and thus prevents their prop- 

 agation. 



The planting of apple trees by the fences in fields near the roads, 

 is found profitable, on account of the fruit as well as the shade they 

 afford. The increasing demand for apples for export, as well as for 

 home consumption, at the prices paid for them, gives a profit to the 

 grower, and no labor or money invested in farming pays a better 

 profit than ^hat invested in orcharding, if applied in a judicious 

 manner. 



On the Renovation of Old Orchards. 



By N. T. True, M. D., Bethel. 



Their condition in Maine. By an old orchard is usually meant, 

 one that has not been grafted, and which has, in other respects, been 

 neglected for a series of years. It is on this class of trees that I 

 shall more particularly treat in this essay. Such trees are usually 

 sadly in need of manuring, trimming, and grafting. Many, very 

 many such orchards, exist all over the State. 



Preparins; the soil and Manuritig. If an orchard has, in years 

 past, been plowed, it is better to spread on a coat of animal and veg- 

 etable manures, and plow them in. These may be used in generous 

 quantities. Be quite as anxious to manure the trees at a distance, 

 as near the trunks. The object is to give a new start to the woody 

 growth. Mineral manures, such as lime, plaster, and ashes, should, 

 as a general thing, be reserved till the trees are ready to bear. 

 Cultivate the land the first year with potatoes, if convenient. By 

 this means, the earth becomes porous, and new roots will extend 

 throughout the soil. Muck, well prepared, coarse straw manure, as 

 well as chip and stable manures, are all excellent for this purpose, 

 and well adapted to the growth of the woody fibre. 



