PEIINING AJSTD MANAGEMENT OF THE PEACH TREE. 



ous trees, with a clear and lively bark, and witli a straight stem, properly furnished 

 with eyes at its base. The size of the tree noust not be too much regarded, for there 

 are certain much esteemed kinds, which, though appearing less vigorous, are, notwith- 

 standing, equally advantageous. 



46. It is necessary to apply to a nurseryman worthy of confidence, whom we can 

 trust in regard to the taking up of the young trees so as to preserve their roots, this 

 being so important to their success. It is better to pay a trifle more per plant rather 

 than run the risk of having trees with roots cut short and mutilated. We should 

 also take care to have the trees planted as soon as possible after they are taken up ; 

 and if they have to come from a distance, it is necessary that they should be well 

 jjacked, especially the roots, so that they may not be dried by the contact of the air, 



47. Before giving the precautions which it is necessary to take in planting, it will 

 be well to point out the aspects most suitable for the Peach. Although those I 

 determine are specially applicable to the climate of Paris, it will be easy to modify 

 them according as the locality may be more to the south or to the north, though the 

 culture of the Peach extends but little to the north of the latitude of the capital. I 

 shall also say a few words I'especting the wall against which the Peach is trained, and, 

 after having treated on these two subjects, I will return to the planting. 



48. B. Aspects and Soils most suitable to the Peach. — The Peach tree equally dis- 

 likes an aspect that is too hot or too cold ; and, although it may be cultivated against 

 a south, and likewise against a north aspect, it is preferable to plant it against an east 

 or west. In this way, the same wall gives support to trees of which the produce on 

 both sides is nearly equal. This is not the case with walls running east and west ; 

 on these the trees facing the south have too much heat, while those on the opposite 

 side scarcely see the sun, and either ripen their fruit badly, or not at all. This con- 

 sideration has determined the greater part of the inhabitants of Montreuil, Bagnolet, 

 and other places, where the cultivation of the Peach is the principal source of employ- 

 ment, to build their walls to run nearly north and south, in order that the trees 

 planted on the east side may enjoy the influence of the sun from his rising till 1 p. 

 m. ; and those on the west for the rest of the day. However, we plant the Peach 

 against aspects less favorable than those just mentioned ; for the ground does not 

 always admit of placing the walls so as to afford the aspect we would wish. Walls 

 are occasionally to be seen which do not receive any sun till 10 a. m. ; we, however, 

 cover them with Peach trees, which become very fine ; but they give great trouble 

 in pruning, because their wood or pushing-eyes are frequently at the ends only of the 

 fruit-branches, which must therefore be preserved entire if we wish to obtain fruit. 



49. As regards the nature of the soil, the Peach is not so particular as some 

 imagine. When well managed it grows anywhere, if the soil is only deep enough. 

 Nevertheless its growth is much greater and more regular when planted in a light 

 soil resting on a bottom of silicious pebbles among which the roots of the Almond 

 find their way ; it must also be one that does not retain the water so long as to prove 



rtful to the roots when the summer is wet. 



c. Of Walls and Protection. — When we have a garden the walls of which 



