ORCHARDS. 63 



and its present height is not less than thirty-five or forty feet. 

 One of its branches has decayed and fallen off. The tree 

 still bears fruit of medium size and indifferent flavor, but makes 

 good cider. It has two or three neighbors standing near at 

 irregular intervals — all are much decayed, and one, fully as 

 large as the one I am describing, has fallen, and its bulky 

 ruins still remain. All these trees are evidently seedlings. 

 An old dwelling once stood near them, which was built and 

 occupied by the Sharpe family, w^ho were among the pioneers 

 of this section. The scope of the writer's recollection is some 

 fifty-five years, and these trees were grand old specimens at 

 his earliest recollection. They are probably not less than one 

 hundred years old. 



All that has life must perish and decay, 



Mix dust to dust, though long or short the stay. 

 Oft has dread lightnings quivered o'er thy head, 



And raging tempest rocked thee in thy bed ; 

 And winds less rapid oft have spread around 



And cast thy fruit all pattering to the ground ; 

 Where man and beast the benefit received, 



And thou wert of the bending load relieved. 



The pomologist may infer that the soil above described is the 

 very best, and most suitable for the growth of the '''■prince of 

 all fruits,'^ the Apple — yet, the farmer and orchardist should 

 bear in mind that any good, strong soil, of whatever color, 

 texture, or consistence, that will grow good corn, wheat, or 

 tobacco, will produce fair crops of fruit; and, with proper 

 care and tillage, abundant returns may be expected. 



PREPAEATION OF SOIL. 



Any good farmer will not be surprised to learn that very 

 thorough cultivation of the land appropriated to orchards, even 

 if the situation is favorable, is not to be dispensed with. As 

 a general rule, it should be deeply and well ploughed, followed 

 by a new-ground coulter or subsoil plough to lift and pulver- 

 ize the soil. The harrow should then be applied and the soil 

 reduced to a fine tilth. 



The mattock may be used on steep or stony ground, where 



