78 ORCHARDS. 



trenches in a slanting position to avoid the winds ; the situa- 

 tion should also be sheltered, and the soil dry. A mulching 

 on the roots and a few evergreen boughs over the tops, will 

 afford a good protection." 



" The above valuable hints on '' Transplanting and Prepar- 

 ation of the Trees," are from the Descriptive Catalogue of 

 Fruits of Elwanger & Barry, Rochester, N. Y. 



DISTANCE BETWEEN TREES IN PLANTATIONS. 



According to Downing, "the distance at which trees should 

 be planted in an orchard depends upon the mode in which 

 they are to be treated. When it is desired fully to cover 

 and devote the whole ground to the trees, thirty feet apart is 

 the proper interval ; but, where the farmer wishes to keep the 

 land between the trees in grain and grass, fifty feet is not too 

 great a distance in strong soils. Forty feet apart, however, 

 is the usual distance at which the trees are planted in orchards." 

 We object to '•'• grain and grabs'' in orchards, as such cultiva- 

 tion is insufficient. Hoed crops are almost indispensable, and 

 they should not be grown nearer than four feet from the trees, 

 as they deprive the trees of a portion of the moisture and food 

 so much needed for luxuriant and healthy growth, always 

 to be desired in young trees. Nothing should be grown im- 

 mediately under a tree, and there the cultivation should be 

 with the hoe, and not too deep. Experienced cultivators, how- 

 ever, allow that buckwheat may be cultivated with advantage 

 in strong soils. 



Thirty feet apart, then, is the proper distance in good soils, 

 allowing hoed crops until the trees are getting large, and then 

 give the whole ground to the trees — this will ensure quick 

 growth and early bearing. 



In addition to v. hat has already been said on this subject, 

 the views of a few more writers might be useful to the farmer 

 in arrano;ing; his orchard. 



Under the head of "Laying Off," Mr. .Bucknall recom- 

 mends thirty-three feet apart for large standard trees, with 

 two dwarf trees or bushes between, which may be removed as 

 the large trees require the room they occupy. See also the 



