On Peach Trees. 279 



below the clay, was thrown out a brown flaky earth, 

 having the appearance of slate, in a state of partial de- 

 composition. The situation of my garden is on the 

 summit of the hill on which the borough of Lancaster 

 stands, and is fully exposed to the north west winds, 

 and the extremely cold winter before the last, injured 

 some of the branches on the north west side of two or 

 three trees that were most exposed ; all the rest of the 

 trees have rather an uncommon degree of health and 

 vigour. 



The grafting of peach trees has not been very com- 

 monly practised, owing to the ragging of the bark, in 

 splitting open the stock. This inconvenience is reme^ 

 died, most effectually, by cutting the bark with the 

 point of your knife, through the outside circular bark, 

 at least, in the direction of the cleft you mean to open 

 in the stock. This leaves the bai'k smooth, so as to 

 meet the bark of the cion as perfectly as is done in seed 

 fruits. This may sometimes save a year in the growth 

 of your trees, and it has this important advantage, that 

 the cions may be brought in the winter season, from 

 almost any distance, and be used with success in the 

 spring. 



Sensible of the great advantage to the public, to be 

 derived from the exertions of the agricultural society, 

 I wish the zeal of its members, may long continue to 

 increase. 



and am yours and their, 



most obedient servant, 



Timothy Matlack. 

 Dr, James Mease. 



