THE PEACH. 248 



and healthy trees, bountiful crops, and fruit of fine size and 

 quality. 



In deep, loose soils, the roots of the p^acli tree penetrate to 

 a considerable depth. Instead of losing by being opened and 

 exposed to the frosts and air, the stiff clayey soil gains greatly 

 in value by the very act of rendering it more friable, while at 

 the same time it has naturally sufficient heart to bear a crop- 

 ping with peas or roots with advantage rather than injury to 

 the trees. The health, growth, and vigor of an orchard in 

 moderately strong land, kept under cultivation, is surprisingly 

 greater tlian if allowed to remain in sod. The farmer will 

 see that the difference in treatment, or cultivation, therefore, 

 should always adapt itself to the nature of the soil. 



Trees that have been grown and cultivated for a length of 

 time, and not manured, unless the land is naturally strong, 

 are like an animal tied to a post with a limited range of pas- 

 ture. In both cases it is indispensable that food be carried to 

 them or they will starve. 



The crops injurious to the peach tree are those that ripen 

 their seeds — such as Indian corn, and all small grains. Clover, 

 and all the grasses, are decidedly injurious. Potatoes, and 

 all root crops may be cultivated with advantage, for a time, 

 among the trees — squashes, pumpkins, and vines generally,, 

 may be allowed. Pasturing orchards with small animals, when 

 the trees are three or four years old, by turning in hogs, calves, 

 sheep and poultry, will have a good effect in destroying insects, 

 as the animals consume the wormy and faulty fruit as it falls. 

 Sometimes hogs will strip the bark from the roots of peach 

 trees. We had a few valuable trees injured in this way some 

 years ago. The hogs are the MOST serviceable ix the 

 ORCHARD, BUT THEY MUST BE WATCHED. \Yhile on this Sub- 

 ject, it may not be amiss to say something about enclo- 

 sures. If you have a mind to get your orchard effectually 

 pruned, omit this little matter, and your cattle will perform 

 the job in much less time than you could do it yourself. Their 

 avidity and energy are surprising, as they will leave clover up 

 to their eyes to browse on the luxuriant branches of your val- 



