THE ORCHARD. 77 



take the cholera. If they don't they will not, even if kept in 



adjoining pens. 



FOWLS. 



Six years ago my wife and I began to keep fowls ; and I 

 presume pretty much all over the country the "fowl fever" 

 raged. We at once bought some fine " fowls." Before this 

 we kept chickens, but did not count them of much conse- 

 quence, — a kind of " necessary nuisance." We bought from 

 the best sources, light and dark Brahmas, buff, partridge and 

 black Cochins, Plymouth Rock, Houdans and Grey Silver Ban- 

 tams, also the Rouen, Aylesbury and Pekin ducks. We gave 

 them good care in separate yards, and attended the fairs and 

 poultry exhibitions with considerable success. We learned 

 something. The fever I think did us good at least in one 

 direction. We have learned to look upon " Biddy " with more 

 respect, and consider that she occupies no mean, or even small 

 place on a farm, when reasonably attended to. We now keep 

 only two breeds, and expect to come to one as soon as our 

 choice is fairly made. I would add, let no one be afraid to 

 handle for the use of the farm, either the Plymouth Rock or 

 black Cochin, for they are excellent breeds, both for eggs and 

 table use. Give them good warm Winter quarters, and you 

 will have eggs the year round. 



ORCHARD. 



No farm is complete without an orchard. I mean apples, 

 for while we may not raise peaches, pears and quinces every 

 year, Ave can have apples. I have devoted some twenty acres to 

 the apple, and paid no little attention to its varieties and culti- 

 vation, both in nursery and orchard, and have tested on my 

 farm over 100 kinds. Varieties should be selected to suit the 

 locality and soil. A good many varieties do well in many 

 places, while many more do well only in particular soils and 

 climate. For my orchard I want, first, good hardy trees that 

 will live ; second, varieties that will bear so I will have fruit ; 

 third, the best and most salable apples I can find. I do not 

 want too many sorts. Eight or ten varieties are enough, if we 

 know just what we want. 



