THE KANSAS CHERRY. 17 



land decay soon sets in at the heart, and death generally follows in a 

 few years. 



This, as well as all classes of soft fruits, sliou.d be as near the 

 dwelling as practicable, for convenience in gathering the fruit and 

 general care of the trees. 



High lands are preferable, as the fruit-buds are less liable to be 

 injured by spring frosts, and the tree maintains a normal condition 

 better through varying weather in winter, and better facilities are af- 

 forded for circulation of the currents of air during extreme rainfalls 

 and sudden changes in temperature. 



An eastern or northern slope is preferable, as trees do not suffer so 

 much from droughts or heat of sun, and should be sufficiently in- 

 clined to drain off any siidden, heavy rainfall, as a retention of a sur- 

 plus amount in the land will weaken the vigor of trees, and endangers 

 their lives. 



A deep loam and a sandy soil are to be jDreferred ; but other soils 

 can be made suitable by deep tillage and manuring, and for arid lands 

 a heavy mulching. 



When planted on flat lands drains must be provided ; but on slopes 

 water is seldom retained in amount detrimental to the trees. This is 

 forcibly impressed on the grower when heavy and continuous rains 

 flood the land at the ripening period, which is followed with cracking 

 and bursting of the fruit, rendering almost the entire crop unmarket- 

 able. 



On open prairie windbreaks are an advantage, when on the south 

 side only. 



Deep plowing and pulverizing of the surface and stirring of the 

 subsoil are as much needed with the cherry as any fruit. Sterile 

 lands must be well enriched with barn-yard litter, wood ashes, or any 

 well-rotted vegetable matter. 



The trees should never be over two years old ; strong, vigorous, and 

 well rooted. A second-class tree is never cheap, and its use is ques- 

 tionable economy ; better plant fewer of the first class, at same cost. 

 Of stock there are three kinds, viz., Mahaleb, Mazzard, and common 

 Morello. Mahaleb is short-lived-, Mazzard not always hardy, and Mo- 

 rello sprouts from the root. The preference of the Society has been 

 towards Morello as preferable, claiming early and profuse fruiting and 

 hardiness. 



The holes, experience in Kansas has demonstrated, need not be any 

 larger than is necessary to receive the roots when spread out naturally, 

 and deei3 enough to set the tree about as deep as it grew in the nurs- 

 ery. In light, sandy soil it may be some deeper, but not in clay or 

 heavy soil. Several of our members have for the iDast ten years been 

 —2 



