96 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



The Cherry. 



BY J. A. DURKES, WESTON. 



Cherries are commonly known as the sweets and acids, the former 

 being of type of the Black Heart, Black Tartarian, Gov. Wood, etc. ; 

 the latter, that of the Morellos, Early Richmond, etc. The best situa- 

 tion in which the cherry tree thrives is one of an elevated and well- 

 drained character. In nowise will they do well upon low places with 

 damp and heavy soils. 



The cherry will thrive in a variety of soils where perfect drainage 

 can be had, but a gravely, sandy soil with a loamy consistency seems 

 to be the best. Some of the sections of country suitable for growing 

 the cherry are the poorest ridges, with slaty and limestone formations. 



The Heart varieties will only thrive upon such soils, as a very slow 

 growth and early ripening of the wood is necessary to withstand the 

 changes of winter, in our latitude at least. 



The acids will bear soils of a much richer character, and dressings 

 of lime, ashes and stable manure will prove a great aid in producing 

 abundant crops of fine fruit. 



The distance for planting may vary from 15 to 20 feet apart. 

 Ordinary preparation of the soil is sufficient ; the holes should be of 

 ample width to admit the roots freely, with room to spare, and deep 

 enough so that the tree may be planted below the union of stock and 

 bud. In selecting trees from the nursery, always prefer those that are 

 worked very close to the ground ; we thereby save much trouble with 

 the sprouts that are prone to grow up from the stock at the collar. 



After three or four years' planting, the culture should be very shal- 

 low, but perfect cleanliness must be followed ; no harboring place 

 should be given to our insect foes. 



The cherry is a most desirable fruit, healthy, juicy, with such deli 

 Gate flavor, that renders it very acceptable to all. Being the first fruit 

 of summer (excepting the strawberry) makes it the more welcome. 

 In view of these desirable properties, and the profit of the fruit for 

 market, it is indeed surprising that it has not shared a greater attention 

 from the fruit-growers, or rather, from every one that^plants trees for 

 home use or marketing on a larger scale. 



As to profit, we have no figures at hand from any large grower at 

 present, but we feel safe in saying that it will be very large. They 

 seldom fail to bear ; they even will stand any amount of neglect, and 



