242 THE PEACH. 



a serious extent. On the other hand, trees grown in deeply 

 prepared, loamy soils run deep, and beyond the reach of the 

 plow in caltivation. The farmer must, therefore, use some 

 judgment in this matter, and vary his practice according to 

 the depth and nature of his soil. (Perhaps the best tool with 

 which to work immediately under the trees is a good garden 

 fork; and, in no case, allow the plow to pass right under the 

 trees.) 



The cultivator of light sandy soils enriches the ground by 

 mulching, and top dressing with manure, and leaves it in a 

 state of rest. This treatment is no doubt the best for such 

 soils. In deep, loamy soils, the ground having been deeply 

 plowed or spaded before planting, the roots naturally run 

 deep, and admit the cultivation, by plowing or other tillage, 

 with great benefit. In all heavy, clayey soils, the ground 

 should be kept constantly mellow and loose. No grass or 

 weeds should be allowed to grow near the trees to rob them 

 of their food.* Root crops, peas, and any low, hoed crops 

 may be permitted between the rows for two or three years, 

 but nothing should be grown just under the trees. After the 

 third or fourth year, no crops should be raised in the peach 

 orchard, but the whole surface should be cultivated for the 

 exclusive benefit of the trees. 



In regard to the poverty or fertility of soils intended for 

 peach culture, there is some disparity of opinion; but it is 

 generally conceded that a medium soil is to be preferred. The 

 poorer soils produce the finer flavored fruit, but the quantity 

 is less, and the trees suffer for want of food — insects take ad- 

 vantage of this feeble state of the tree, and are especially in- 

 jurious to it and its fruit. Peach trees on very rich soils 

 grow faster and larger, look greener, and are thicker in the 

 boughs, and cause a thicker shade; yet on them will grow 

 but ver} little fruit, and that little will be ill-tasted, greenish, 

 even when seemingly ripe, and of a bad kind. A middling 

 fertility should, therefore, be preferred, as producing vigorous 



*The cultivation of the peach and apple^ especially of the former, should be continued 

 latei? tfiau that of corn or potatoes. It should be continued as long as weeds will 

 grow. 



