CHAPTER IV. 

 The Orchard. 



It is considered that the most suitable location Exposure of 

 for an orchard is a north-east by east exposure, for ° rchard - 

 the reason that the trees thus exposed are later in 

 blooming. Consequently there is less danger of 

 frost destroying the fruit when it is forming. Danger 

 from frost can, however, in a measure be obviated 

 by mulching in the autumn. 



Before planting an orchard the land should be Draining an 

 underdrained, the drains placed thirty-five feet 

 apart, and arranged so that there will be a drain 

 between the rows of trees. If close to the trees, the 

 drains are liable to be choked with the rootlets. As 

 a further preparation, clover sod should be manured 

 and plowed down, in the fall, the same as for root 

 crops. (See cultivation for field roots, page 115.) 



Early spring is the proper time to plant all fruit Planting an 

 trees. Plant an apple orchard in rows thirty-live 

 feet apart, and thirty-live feet in the row, set alter- 

 nately so as to allow more space for the trees. 



Pears, etc., will do with twenty feet space, but Pears, Plums 

 when only a few of each of these are required for home Trees, 

 use it is advisable, for convenience in cultivating, 

 to keep them in line with the apple orchard. 



In planting any fruit, try to make the holes large 

 enough to admit the roots without cramping or 

 bending, and deep enough to bring the tree to its 

 natural depth. If the subsoil is clay, loosen, after 

 the hole is dug, with a spading fork, ten or twelve 

 inches, so that all rain water will filter down below 

 the roots of the tree when planted. Fine surface 



