ORCHARDS. 31 



Second, the best time for planting I have found to be in the 

 autumn, as soon as the tree has cast its leaves. Third, distance 

 for a garden ten by ten feet ; distance for an orchard sixteen 

 by sixteen feet; and in the form of a diamond or triangle. 



In regard to varieties all depends on location and soil, and 

 for any one to say to another that this, that, or the other variety 

 is the best for them to cultivate, is very much like telling a 

 person what they must cat or wear. But with me the Bartlctt, 

 Louise Bonne dc Jersey, Beurre d'Anjou, Duchesse d'Angoul- 

 eme, Belle Lucrative, Andrews, Swan's Orange, Urbaniste, 

 Langlier and Lawrence have almost invariably proved desirable 

 for general culture, making ten varieties ; and next come St. 

 Michael Archange, Maria Louisa, Beurre Bosc, Passe Colmar, 

 Doyenne Boussock, Seckel, Vicar of Winkfield, Beurre Gris 

 d'Hiver, Winter Nelis and Glout Morceau — ten — in all twenty 

 varieties. While the Beurre Easter, St. Michael, Beurre Diel, 

 Dix, Beurre d'Aremburg and Flemish Beauty, are not worthy of 

 cultivation. There are other varieties that I think will prove 

 well, say Clapp's Favorite, Beurre Clargeau and Doyenne Cornice. 



As to manures to be used every one must be governed by his 

 own judgment, for it is by years of experience only that a man 

 can best judge of the kind of manure adapted to the soil on 

 which it is to be used. I have used all sorts to be had, and 

 applied freely, and after the trees have been set one year I do 

 not think there is danger of injury from any amount that may 

 be applied. t 



Now, sir, to sum up the whole matter, my experience would 

 allow me to write a large volume ; but all can be said in a few 

 words. First, see that the land is well cultivated, drained and 

 manured. Second, select what appears best as to variety, and 

 use great care in setting, and keep the roots as near as possible 

 to the surface for standards. Dwarfs should be set, with the 

 pear stock, three inches in the ground. Third, set in the fall, 

 as soon as the leaves are off, then drive three stakes and tie the 

 tree to them, that it may be kept in the desired position, then 

 mulch with coarse straw, thatch or corn stalks, and leave them 

 on until decayed. Fourth, begin to prune while the tree is 

 young, and cut freely if a good form is desired, for by so doing 

 the tree will not be injured, and can be much better done than 

 if left until the tree has had years of growth. Fifth, while the 



