ORCHARDS. 185 



WORCESTER NORTH. 



From the Report of the Committee. 



If one would succeed in pear-growing, he must not only have 

 an interest in, but a desire and taste for it. Simply because 

 Mr. A or Mr. B, or some other pear-grower, by his study, per- 

 severance and hard work had succeeded and acquired a liveli- 

 hood by growing pears, it is no index that another individual 

 will succeed by transplanting the best of trees in soil well 

 adapted to their growth, without farther exertions on his part. 



Therefore, we would say to the young farmer, or pear-grower, 

 that the first matter of importance is suitable soil ; and as far 

 as our observation goes, we would avoid hungry, gravelly, or 

 sandy soils. Low, sunken and swampy grounds are also to be 

 excluded. We have noticed pears to make very good growth, 

 and appear to do well, on alluvial soils, for a few years, and then 

 almost entirely fail. As a general rule, then, we should say, 

 select a surface soil of black loam and clay, or clayey subsoil, 

 which should be thoroughly underdrained, either naturally or 

 artificially ; and what should be understood by thorough under- 

 draining is, in case the subsoil is very tenacious, the drains 

 should not be less than three feet deep, perhaps three and a 

 half would be better, and at such distances that the water shall 

 find easy access to the drains ; for so sure as the roots of pear- 

 trees come in contact with stagnant water, just so sure it is death 

 to the tree. A safe rule would be to make a few excavations in 

 different parts of the field, to the depth of three and a half feet 

 after underdraining and before transplanting. Carefully notice 

 the rise and fall of water in the pits after heavy rains ; and in 

 case the water leaves the pits in a day or so, we conclude that 

 pears may be put out with safety. 



Regarding aspect, various views are entertained ; many prefer 

 a northern exposure, believing that they avoid the danger 

 of late or spring frosts injuring the blossoms ; others choose 

 a southern or south-western exposure. Our own opinion is, as 

 far north as Worcester County, the field should have a southern 

 slope, and protected from the north and north-west winds by 

 buildings, or other trees. To shelter an orchard from prevail- 

 ing winds, is often of more consequence than the aspect ; for 

 pear-trees, when laden with fruit, will suffer more from heavy 



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