ON ORCHARDS. 47 



larged to 93 trees, at 50 feet apart, on 17 acres 

 These trees were large and vigorous I had them 

 topped when they were planted out ; I believe they 

 were hurt by the operation. From several experi- 

 mpnts made with large trees, I would prefer the lop- 

 ping in the spring, but would recommend at all times 

 thinning the branches, in preference to shortening 

 them: many of these trees were injured, by cutting the 

 annual shoots for the purpose of grafting, being new 

 and rare varieties ; this visibly checked the growth, 

 and in several instances proved fatal to the trees the 

 holes were dug large, and the ground around the trees 

 was manured highly with stable dung, during the fol- 

 lowing winter. The field, being in clover, remained 

 uncultivated for two years the drought during those 

 two years killed many of the trees, and the field mice, 

 which found a comfortable winter shelter under the 

 manure, killed many more : the orchard did not flour- 

 ish, in a manner which the goodness of the ground, 

 and my great care led me to expect; I determined to 

 plough it thoroughly, and to break in upon my course 

 of crops, for the purpose of recovering the trees by 

 cultivation. The event fully answered my wishes ; the 

 trees flourish with uncommon vigour, and at present 

 exhibit a promising appearance, being completely es- 

 tablished and out of danger : this orchard is now, 1816, 

 becoming very productive* 



