ORCHARD MANURE. 15 



It is sometimes found advantageous to have plantations in 

 different aspects, so as to secure crops in variable seasons. Marshall 

 had an Orchard with a North West aspect which fully fruited in 

 1783, when the Cider fruit failed in every other aspect. The same 

 fact was experienced in 1879 by Mr. Hill, of Eggleton, and some 

 other growers. 



Orchards are often planted too low in the valleys, for though 

 they may get there a more rich alluvial soil and better protection 

 from wind, they have to encounter the cold damp fogs of night, 

 which are often destructive to the blossoms in spring, and are apt 

 moreover to check the free growth of the young fruit after it has set. 

 The best situation, when the soil is good, is one that is raised well 

 above the level of the night fogs from the low ground. 



Worlidge has these quaint and consolatory remarks on the 

 best position for the Orchard : " for the distinguishing thereof there 

 are many rules, but he that is seated and fixed in any place, and 

 cannot conveniently change his habitation, must be content with his 

 own, and if any defect or disadvantage be in it, it may be that he 

 hath some advantages that others want." 



Wherever the Orchard may find itself, it is desirable to give it 

 the protection of buildings, high quick hedges, woods, or higher 

 grounds to keep off the dangerous spring frosts and blight, and 

 afford as much shelter as may be from strong winds ; for then the 

 blossom is often saved from destruction, and the crop of fruit when 

 full grown kept secure. 



Manuring. — Apple and Pear trees, w^hether in arable land or 

 pasture, are very insufficiently manured. The trees often become 

 weak and exhausted from the heavy loads of fruit they bear, and yet 

 their ungrateful owners forget to feed them. This neglect, no 

 doubt, often gives the explanation why so many trees only bear 

 truit on alternate years. On arable land they take a share of the 

 manure supplied for the green crops grown thus ; but on pasture 

 land they have most commonly only to share with the grass the 

 manure from the animals that graze beneath them and enjoy their 

 shade. A careful farmer in the neighbourhood of a town may 

 sometimes scatter a few ashes over the Orchard to help the grass, 



