THE SOUTH HAVEN POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 477 



CARE OF YOUNG ORCHARDS. 



South Haven, February 2d, 1874. 



The subject for consideration was " The Care of an Orchard for the First 

 Two Years." 



A good proportion of our principal fruit-growers were present, and advised 

 the following practices : 



First. — Eemove standing water from the soil by surface or underdraining. 



Second. — Get good trees. 



Third. — Deeply and thoroughly pulverize the whole area to be planted by 

 Bubsoiling if possible. 



Fourth. — Dig holes at least three feet wide and eighteen inches deep, and fill 

 with rich mould. 



Fifth. — Set yery carefully after pruning from the under side all roots the 

 ends of which have been cut in taking up, and cutting off at least two-thirds 

 of the top, removing superfluous limbs and shortening the rest, leaving three 

 or four buds of the last growth. The object of cutting away the top is to pre- 

 Tent the tree being killed or stunted by greater evaporation than the roots are 

 able to supply at first. The roots should have the advantage and commence 

 growth first. Plant deeper in light than in heavy soil. It was generally re- 

 commended to cut away the branches of a peach tree at setting, forming an 

 entirely new top from the strongest buds on the stock, also cutting off the top 

 of the stock nearly as low as it was desired that the head should form. Some 

 thought more buds should be left than the desired number of limbs, for the 

 cut-worms when they are troublesome. Strips of tin tacked tightly around 

 the bodies of the trees have been found effectual to prevent the worms climb- 

 ing the trees. 



Sixth. — Some recommended leaning trees to the southwest and pruning so 

 as to leave the balance of the top on the windward side. Others thought it 

 would pay well to stake the trees the first two years, constantly straightening 

 those which gave to the wind. 



Seventh. — Give as good cultivation as for a first-rate corn crop. Most would 

 stop cultivating early in August, so as not to stimulate to a late growth. 

 Some considered it well to grow corn among the trees the first two years, while 

 one objected that the trees would be so shaded they would not grow stocky. 



Eighth. — In light soil a little manure is well for peach trees, and apple trees 

 will be benefited by considerable manure. 



Ninth. — The trees should be washed with some alkali often enough to de- 

 stroy insects and keep the bark smooth. One quart of soft soap to a common 

 wooden pailful of tolerably strong lye, with a little lime in it, has proved sat- 

 isfactory. 



Tenth. — During the first two years it is very important to give direction to 

 the limbs and shape to the tree by pruning and pruning back during the grow- 

 ing season. Too many main limbs are generally left. 



