CULTURE OF DWARF FRUIT TREES. 



nificent fruit in a neighbor's garden. The}' look upon this as an example of fruit culture 

 " made eas}^" and as a proof — as proof it is — that half a life time need not be spent in 

 waiting for their trees to bear. A resolution is at once formed to plant a garden, perhaps 

 an orchard. The ground is plowed after a fashion, the nearest oracle is consulted in re- 

 gaid to the best sorts, the trees are procured and planted; and there the work ends. 

 The next year, or j'ear after, the trees are expected to be loaded with such beautiful fruit 

 as those which first awoke their enthusiasm and enticed them to become planters; but 

 alas! where are the.y.'' Not one to be seen, perhaps; and not only that, but the trees 

 generally are wanting in that vigorous, luxuriant appearance, that indicates a perfect state 

 of health; they are, in fact, unthriftij and uvfraitful, looking quite as much like dying 

 as living. At this stage of the proceedings, it is suggested by a knowing one that these 

 dwarf trees are a " humbug." " I told you so." Thus results, and thus will result, the 

 hast}'', ill-advised planting enterprizes of a multitude of persons. We are by no means 

 drawing upon the imagination in this matter, and we have not the least doubt but that 

 many who read this will recognize the course of proceeding pointed out as bearing a strik- 

 ing resemblance to theirs. 



We are very far from being disposed to aggravate the difficulties of fruit culture, or to 

 try to persuade people that there is any mj'stery in the art of good cultivation, or any obsta- 

 cle in the way, that common care and skill cannot remove. On the contrary, we aim, and 

 have always aimed, at giving every encouragement in our power consistent with the truth. 

 We must confess, however, that we are frequently surprised at the comparative reckless- 

 ness with which people embark in planting — spend perhaps ten, twenty, or even fift}' dol- 

 lars for trees, without possessing a single correct practical idea of their treatment; with- 

 out having consulted any reliable work, or engaged the assistance of a competent person; 

 relying merely upon the uncertain light of a few vague ideas picked up from some very 

 questionable sources. What else can such people reasonably expect but a failure."* And 

 if a failure happen them, they should at once take the blame to themselves, and has- 

 ten to make amends. 



Having thus alluded to what may be termed mal practice, we will sketch very briefly 

 the course we would recommend. When a plantation of dwarf trees has been determined 

 upon, whether of 10 trees or 1000, the following considerations should be carefully 

 considered, and all the information in regard to them be obtained from the most reliable 

 sources : 



First, Tkc Soil. Is it of a suitable character for the purpose? Is it too wet, or too 

 dry.'' Does it require draining, subsoil plowing, or trenching and manuring? It should 

 always be understood that dwarf trees require a soil of the best quality; and that, too, 

 kept in the best condition. The roots do not extend like the roots of standard trees, and 

 must obtain a liberal supply of food from a small compass. When the soil is right in re- 

 gard to dryness, depth, and richness, the next consideration should be — 



The Trees. These should be on stocks most suitable for dwarfing the species; they 

 should be healthy, vigorous, and of such growth as to be easily moulded in to the form 

 in which they are to be grown. The matter of stocks is one of the most important, and 

 should be considered as though the entire success of the undertaking depended upon it. 

 There is j'et, even among experienced growers of trees, a very great want of knowledge 

 on the subject. Most people act with a degree of impatience tliat in many cases proves 

 fatal to their success. They must have large trees — bearing trees. Tree dealers, as a 

 general thing, say: "Our customers want Zarge trees, above all." No man who pro 

 ceeds upon this principle, can make a fruit garden or orchard that will be either success 



