29 
from time to time, but if dry weather continues do not be afraid to continue until you 
are pretty sure the dry season is over. We must keep up moisture by cultivation if we 
cannot get it from the clouds. 
A Memser.—What implement do you use for cultivating ! 
Mr. Taytor.—My own practice is to plow the orchard once every season; near 
the tree we use aone horse plow, and back from the rows either a gang plow or a 
single plow set very shallow, not more than four inches deep. 
The Secrerary.—What style of package do you use in Michigan ? 
Mr. Taytor.—We have tried almost every style that has been on the market. For 
a number of years past the successful package is a round basket with what we call a 
railroad cover. Then in our immediate vicinity we have the four-basket crate of slats, 
with a slat cover on top to hold the four together. During the last two years the long 
basket with a handle has become quite popular ; the commission men in Chicago are pre- 
ferring that one very much, and we may be obliged to adopt it. 
The Secrerary.—I have just a word or two to say regarding the distance apart of 
peach trees. Mr. Taylor puts the distance at twenty feet. That was the distance at 
which we originally planted our old orchard, but of late I have been planting about 
twelve feet, and by careful pruning I keep the tree in a bushy form. I find this distance 
to be quite far enough apart, especially in view of the danger of losing the trees by 
yellows. It seems advisable to keep our ground more closely occupied and the trees 
severely pruned. We have all noticed where we have neglected to prune the peach tree, 
that it runs out very long arms, with all the fruit on the straggling ends of long branches, 
and of course they occupy more ground than is necessary. I think the mode of pruning 
I speak of not only keeps the tree in better health, but we get a greater number of fresh 
young shoots and more fruit. Then in regard to fertilisers, [ have been using wood 
ashes altogether for my peach orchard, and I have been exceedingly pleased with the 
result. I believe it affects the color and size, and perhaps the flavor of the fruit. So 
much is this the case that I daresay some of you have noticed that in Massachusetts it is 
claimed by Mr. Hale that muriate of potash is a specific cure for yellows, which, however, 
we have very great doubts about. 
A MemsBer.—What time of the year do you prune? 
The Secrerary.—lI prune in March or early in April, before the growth begins. 
Professor Panton.—What quantity of ashes do you apply ! 
The Secretary.—At least half a bushel of unleached ashes to a tree ‘yearly. The 
soil is sandy loam. 
A MemsBer.—Do you keep ashes close up to the trees ? 
The Secrerary.—No, decidedly not ; we scatter them on the ground under the tree, 
out nearly as far as the limbs extend. Then with regard to thinning the fruit. I 
believe, though I never can find time just at the period of the year, that judicious prun- 
ing and shortening of the ends of the bearing wood early in the spring, and thinning out 
all the sickly wood, will accomplish that object as well as any other way. 
A Memper.—What is the best time of the year to look for the grubs of the Peach 
Borer? 
Mr. Taytor.—As soon as the frost is out of the ground in spring, so that you can do 
it conveniently, and then during the summer just before the eggs are deposited again 
for the new crop. If whitewash is used with some carbolic acid it is likely to keep them 
away. 
A Memper.—We have always looked for borers about the month of June. 
Mr. Taytor.—Well, I think I should take a little later time than that, because so 
long as the insects are flying around depositing eggs in the bark of the tree it is hardly 
worth while to go around and pick them out. But if gone over at that time with a 
brush great good will be accomplished in keeping them away. I would sooner go around a 
little later than that, before much damage is done. I think if you wait until late fall 
much damage is done. 
The Secrerary.—lIt is simply an egg that is deposited in June, and you could not 
find the egg at that season. 
