354 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Generally, in plowing I turned the furrow toward the tree, so that the trees- 

 now stand about six inches higher than the center between the rows. In the fall 

 of 1886 the ground was thoroughly prepared after taking off a crop of corn. Deep 

 furrows were then plowed 18 feet apart, and large holes dug the same distance 

 apart in the furrows. The trees had previously been heeled in in small bunches, so- 

 as to prevent disturbing many at a time. 1 believe more young trees are lost by hav- 

 ing the roots exposed to the sun and wind, than from any other cause. This was 

 prevented by putting these small bunche? into a pail of water, and placing directly 

 from the pail into the holes already prepared. The roots were set a little deeper 

 than they grew in the nursery row, keeping them as near as possible in their nat- 

 ural position, and shaking the tree slightly as soil is being shoveled in, being care- 

 ful to have the dirt well packed around the roots. 



These trees were two years old, and by paying an extra price, 1 had my choice 

 out of a large lot. The difference in price was slight compared with the difference 

 in value a few years later. I selected good roots in preference to fine tops. 



After the trees were all planted a furrow was turned both ways toward the 

 trees, which filled up the deep furrow previously plowed, at the same time bank- 

 ing up the trees about three inches, furnishing a protection during the winter- 

 Then a mulching of good manure was applied, also four shovels full of unleached 

 ashes to each tree, spread evenly to a distance of about four feet. 



1 trimmed off the side shoots, but did not cut back. In the Agricultural re- 

 port of 1889, an account is given of experiments made on pear stock to ascertain 

 the results of non-pruning. These trees were cut like walking-cane3, and no 

 farther pruning was permitted. In the course of two years long shoots and limbs- 

 were covered with fruit spurs from bottom to top, while on the other hand, where 

 shortening-in had been tried, a thicket of young shoots were produced instead of 

 the fruit spurs. 



The non-pruning which my trees received produced a fine-shaped tree. The 

 manure and ashes referred to were ail the fertilizers applied for three years. Dur- 

 ing this time two crops of oats and one of sowed corn had been raised on the 

 ground, when the orchard was seeded to clover, which still remains. 



Within the last three years eight loads of ashes, two of refuse from the gas 

 factory, and four of manure from the blacksmith shops, have been applied to 450' 

 trees. 



The last two years the trees have been sprayed three times each spring with 

 Bordeaux mixture, and whenever any blight appeared it was cut off. 



Some writers advise heavy manuring for most varieties of pears, but as far as 

 my observation goes, the blight is more prevalent where the soil has been highly 

 manured. The same year my orchard was planted, a few trees were set in the 

 garden, which received more cultivation and the soil was much richer. These trees 

 are all dead but one, which shows signs of decay. 



Mr. S. I. Haseltine set out a large number of Keiff"er pear-trees, which re- 

 ceived extra care and fertilization. The greater share are now dead. So we would 

 infer from th,38e experiences, that this variety of pear at least does not thrive 

 under high cultivation. Now, do not understand me to advocate neglecting this 

 tree. Ashes seem to be the food adapted to the pear, and I would advise a plenti- 

 ful supply. 



The Keiffer has stood more abuse than any other pear. Many denounced it at 

 one time, but now speak of it with praise. I heard our honored President remark 

 that it was little better than a chip to eat. I think after seeing it properly ripened 

 he would choose the pear every time. What I have gathered in regard to peair 



