64 ORCHARDS. 



ploughing is impracticable ; " but trencldng the ground with 

 the spade is a much more efficient mode of preparation than 

 can be efifected by the mattock ; for, where it is properly per- 

 formed, the surface soil is thrown to the bottom, and the fat 

 subsoil is brought to the top, from which procedure results not 

 only the thorough culture that is desired, but the mould is 

 placed below, for the deep roots and the new soil, free from 

 the seeds of weeds, is brought within the reach of the sun and 

 frost and atmospheric influences. It is not necessary to de- 

 scribe the process of trenching, nor to enlarge upon its ad- 

 vantages, as they are generally understood. The only diffi- 

 culty is the cost, which may deter many from the practice of 

 this mode. The expense of trenching an acre of land, clear 

 soil, would be at this time about $50. The same land may 

 be ploughed nearly as deeply for about $10; showing a dif- 

 ference of outlay in this important item that would induce 

 most persons to dispense with the spade in the preparation of 

 orchard land. 



The land selected for orchards, if not sufficiently rich, 

 should be well manured before ploughing ; and after setting 

 the trees, a covering of leaves, straw, or any kind of litter, 

 will have a most beneficial effect in relieving the effects of 

 drought, producing an even temperature, a regular and healthy 

 growth, and will promote fair and abundant crops as the trees 

 approach maturity. 



We read in the New Testament of an ancient cultivator 

 who had got it into his head that digging and dunging a tree 

 might help it. The faults of ordinary management are the 

 impoverishment of the soil and the withholding of proper 

 manures; such as "mi^cA:," ditch mud, peat and animal 

 manures, ashes, &c., the first four having been properly acted 

 on by the freezing of a winter. All these together make a 

 compost of the best description for thin soil, intended for 

 setting an orchard, or, to be used to promote the free growth 

 of the trees in the process of cultivation. 



Surface draining should not be neglected, and under drain- 

 ing is indispensable in low and very moist situations ; for the 

 apple tree is a little "impatient of wet," and does not well 



