184 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



I am satisfied, from experience, that tar paper and printers' 

 ink is a sure remedy for canker worms, if it is put on in season 

 and always kept soft. 



John G. Morneburg. 



Statement of Daniel Ryder. 



The apple orchard I offer comprises two hundred trees, and 

 will be eleven years old this fall. There are seven varieties, viz. : 

 Williams, Baldwin, Gravenstein, Hubbardston, Russet, Tomp- 

 kins' Sweet and Northern Spy. The land is light clay soil, and 

 is on a high elevation sloping to the north-west. 



Previous to setting out the orchard, the holes were dug four 

 feet square and the loam on top, about a spade deep, was thrown 

 out by itself and the remainder put in another pile. In setting 

 out the trees, the loam which was taken from the top of the hole 

 was applied around the roots and little fibres of the tree. After 

 setting, the trees were topped about one foot. Ashes and barn- 

 yard manure have been the fertilizers. Trees pruned in June 

 produced fifteen barrels last year, splendid apples, Hubbardston 

 and Baldwin. In regard to insects, the borers have had to 

 succumb by the application of a bent wire, the only effectual 

 instrument, in my opinion. 



Peach Orchard. — This was three years old this spring and 

 blossomed full. They comprise two varieties, Early Crawford and 

 Late Crawford. The land slopes to the west and is a very light 

 soil, but deep. The fertilizers used have been principally ashes 

 and peat mud. The peat mud I consider an indispensable article 

 around the peach-tree, especially on land of light soil, as it holds 

 the moisture. In regard to pruning, I believe August is the 

 proper time, as then there is the greatest flow of sap. I believe 

 ashes are death to peach insects of all kinds. Whole number of 

 peach trees in orchard, two hundred. 



When I set them out great pains were taken ; I soaked the 

 roots and sprinkled ashes upon them, and after they were set, 

 cut the whole top completely off. It bore some peaches last 

 year. 



Daniel Ryder. 



