164 Missouri State Horticultural Society. 



By its ease of propagation and early fruiting, it became the 

 best boon among the fruits to the first emigrant. And we are in- 

 formedj that as soon as the inoneer's cabin was built, a clearing 

 made, among the first few important duties attended too, was the 

 planting of the fruit seeds he had carried with him from his old 

 home. 



Before the land was denuded of its vast forests, the peach tree 

 bore almost annually, at least a crop every other year could be 

 relied upon. In our recollections of thirty years ago such was the 

 case over large portions of the west, both fruit and trees were more 

 abundant. We seemed to have had a hardier race, indeed, most 

 were seedlings, but these, wherever selected from the better kinds, 

 always proved very fine and good. 



Elevated grounds, high ridges and slopes inclining north and 

 west, are preferred situations for the peach orchard thougliout all 

 the northern belt. Upon these, a firm growth, an early ripening 

 of wood and bud is obtained, and also the too early blooming in 

 spring is retarded. 



Eminences near bodies of water, or any lands well drained, 

 bordering on lake or stream are admirable situations for the peach 

 orchard. The experience of all has been, that in such localities, 

 the vapors rising from the water, so modify the atmosphere .; that 

 the buds and bloom are injured less frequently than those more 

 distant from them, while the water gives a coldness in spring re- 

 tarding the too early blooming of the tree. Limestone soils with 

 perfect dj-aiuage are found to be the best. Analysis show the wood 

 to be largely composed of lime and its phosphates ; trees planted 

 where these are lacking, the ground should have an annual dressing 

 of ashes, bone dust, lime or plaster to insure perfect wood and 

 fruit. ♦ 



The tree should be trained to a low, rounded head, the limbs 

 shortened in annually during the month of September, is the mode 

 pursued by most growers. Many think the pyramidal form the 

 best, as the leader with its lateral branches is not so liable to split 

 and break and the trees and fruit much freer from disease. 



The peach has a few insect enemies — the curculio, and aj)ple 

 gouger, sting the fruit, causing it to drop and rot on the tree. 

 The thorough destruction of the larvae is the effectual remedy. In 

 experiments made by Prof. Eiley he found, that this insect was 

 most numerous on the trees at night, and thinks this would be the 

 proper time to catch them. ' He recommends the placing of boards, 



