ORCHARDS. 191 



that which has been composted is best, such as muck, forest 

 leaves, ashes, lime, &c. 



The matter of setting, too, is one of primary importance, and 

 to which not enough attention is generally paid. When a 

 proper place (not a hole in the ground) has been prepared, the 

 tree should be set as nearly in the same position, and at about 

 the same depth as it stood in the nursery. A place should be 

 dug so large that in setting the tree none of the roots shall be 

 crowded or twisted, and so deep that it may be filled up to the 

 height at which it should stand, with the best surface soil mixed 

 with a small quantity of finely composted manure. But the 

 most important matter of all, and on which success primarily 

 depends, is the selection of trees. It is a sad sight to contem- 

 plate many of the trees, dwarfed and stunted in their growth, 

 which pedlars and agents have palmed off for No. 1 trees, upon 

 the inexperienced and unsuspecting. Not a tree should be set 

 in an apple or pear orchard which does not exhibit unmistakable 

 signs of thriftiness and vitality. The safest and best way is to 

 go yourself, if possible, to the nursery, and select such trees as 

 you desire ; although you may have to pay an extra price for 

 them, you will be a great gainer in the end. 



Every tree, when planted, should be fastened to a substantial 

 stake (two would be better), which will prevent the wind from 

 swaying its top, and so loosening the roots, thereby seriously 

 retarding its growth, and in many cases destroying it entirely ; 

 and this should be continued until the tree is firmly rooted and 

 able to stand of itself. The truth is, that although it is con- 

 siderable trouble to set the stakes, and keep the trees fastened 

 to them, yet, whoever takes that trouble, gains most surely one, 

 if not two years' growth to his trees, especially if they are so 

 located as to be exposed to any prevailing wind ; a consideration 

 not to be overlooked, whenever an orchard is to be planted out. 

 Then, after the trees have been properly set, they must not be 

 left to take care of themselves, as is generally the case, but 

 should receive the most careful attention. 



The same attention which is given to the raising of any crop 

 on the farm, is required in the cultivation of apples or pears. 

 They should receive the same care and labor that we bestow on 

 a crop of corn or potatoes. The land should be manured and 

 cultivated every year, with some crop which will not exhaust 



