218 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF HORTICULTURE. 



owners of such as do not are unfortunate, yet they should not feel discour- 

 aged to the extent of not planting trees and earing for them afterwards. 



EXPOSURE. 



Some kiTids of soils and surface presentations are preferable to others, as 

 they are better adapted to this fruit and require leSvS expense in preparation 

 and in the after care and treatment of the orchard. The most intelligent 

 and expetnenced orchardists often differ as to the best location and exposure 

 of an orchard, some preferring a nothern slope, others an eastern, and yet 

 others recommend a southern, or even a western as best. We think, how- 

 ever, that the advantages preponderate in favor of a gentle eastern or north- 

 eastern slope, as orchards located on such sites suffer less in both soil and 

 tree from the effects of heat and drought. An orchard with such an ex- 

 posure win maintain its vigor and longevity better than if inclined to the 

 west or southwest. This is especially true in states south of the New Eng- 

 land group, where the summers are long, hot and dry, and where it is proba- 

 ble tha t the greatest injury to trees r'esults from these causes. But, as stated, 

 above, all farms do not afford these most favorable sites, especially near the 

 home, which is the most desirable location for the family orchard. Thus, the 

 planter will often be forced to forego such a location, and take his chances 

 where the natural conditions are not so favorable. If possible, the site should 

 be elevated above its immediate surroundings, thus giving a free circulation 

 of air: and it will also be of great aid in guarding against late spring frosts, 

 so fatal to young fruit at the blooming season. 



SOILS. 



Apple trees will thrive and do well on almost any soil well prepared, but 

 the different kinds of soil may require different treatment and aftei- care. 



Loamy Soil — A loamy soil is naturally rich in plant food, hence will need 

 little, if any, manuring in its preparation ; but it should be deeply stirred 

 and thoroughly broken up by subsoiling. This loamy soil is what may be 

 termed free soil, as it seldom becomes compacted, even by abusive treatment. 



Cl'ty Soil — A clay soil is the most difficult to prepare, and often requires 

 manuring, as well as thorough plowing, replovving, and subsoiling. It should 

 be also frequently stirred during the summer months, and especially as soon 

 after each rain as is practical, to prevent it from baking and becoming com- 

 I^acted. This becomes even more important in seasons of long and continued 

 droughts. 



Sandy Soil — Sandy soils are generally lacking in necessary plant food. 

 They also have the objection of losing such fertilizers as may be added by 

 the leaching of the rainfall. 



Effects of Several Soils — The wood-growth on loamy soils will be strong 

 and vigorous, but may not be sufficiently mature to withstand the freezing 

 of the more rigorous winters. Clay lands are not so apt to produce such 

 vigorous growth, and orchard trees on such lands will be hardier as to win- 



