26-i 



THE PEACH. 



ticular manure is required to perfect his fruit, and give vigor to his 

 trees. Equal quantities of limbs and twigs from the three kinds 

 above named, were taken, and after having been thoroughly dried 

 (whereby they lost about 44 per cent, of water), carefully burned 

 with a moderate heat, yielding as follows : 



115.000 



These analyses show the wood of the Peach tree as next to the 

 Pear in amount of Phosphates, and also the erroneous impression so 

 generally current, that the Peach requires a light, sandy soil. The 

 most vigorous, healthy trees we have ever seen are growing on the 

 borders of the Ohio River, on what is termed limestone soil, and 

 Avhere perfect drainage is naturally formed by the hills. On the 

 prairies the trees grow rapidly, but to us have the appearance of a 

 forced, green-house plant, and unable to endure aught but genial air, 

 while feeding thus upon one or two of the elements of growth, and 

 at the same time devoid of others requisite to the perfection of 

 healthy wood. Lime and bone dust, we judge, will be found espe- 

 cially beneficial in perfecting truly healthy trees, capable of endur- 

 ing the great changes of climate on our western prairies. If to this 

 application be added the practice of shortening in during the month 

 of September, and perfect drainage of water from the roots, we be- 

 lieve the tree will be found to endure more successfully the extreme 

 changes of climate. 



The duration of the Peach tree we consider greatly dependent 

 upon the soil being properly drained, and containing the proper pro- 

 portions of food toward forming perfect wood. The doctrine of ex- 

 cretions of vegetables, is one which we are yet inclined to support, 

 naving been unable to succeed, even with renewed preparation of the 



