FARMER'* ASSISTANT. 275 



trees be taken away, and repeat this operation, as the re- 

 maining ones increase in size, so as to give the growing 

 nes at all times sufficient room. 



In this way, not more than one tree out of six will be 

 lett standing, when the orchard has acquired a large 

 growth ; and thus a chance is afforded, of selecting the 

 best tree out of every six first planted; while, at the same 

 time, the orchard in its infancy affurds a much larger pro- 

 duct of apples; and the trees, as they are taken away, are 

 oi some value for fuel* 



Some may object to this plan, that the trees would stand 

 too thick, at first, for ploughing ; that they would not stand 

 in rows; and that, when the poorest trees were taken away, 

 those left standing would be at more unequal distances, 

 than when at first planted; as two or more good trees 

 might often be found together, and sometimes too many 

 poor ones. 



The latter objection is the only one of consequence ; and 

 it does not possess much weight. Two good trees, where 

 found next each other, may be left standing; as the growth, 

 of their limbs will so far become adapted to their situation, 

 as to seek room to grow where most room is to be found; 

 and, where too many poor trees are found together, they 

 may be all taken down, and have their places supplied with 

 grafted trees, selected for the purpose, or with ianbs con- 

 verted into trees, after the Chinese method just men- 

 tioned. 



Whether the trees stand in rows, or otherwise, is a mat- 

 ter of no consequence, further than as it regards ploughing 

 among them; and we never should advise to plough an 

 orchard, more than two or three years after planting : For., 

 if continued longer, the shade of the trees, and the exten- 

 sion of their roots, will impede the growth of the crops; 

 while, at the same time, the roots, and the bark are apt to 

 be injured by the operation of ploughing. 



All that is really necessary, to make a young orchard 

 grow thriftily, is to plant it in a good suitable soil, and to 

 keep the ground clear of grass and weeds, for some little 

 distance round the roots. Orchards which are never plough- 

 ed, endure the longest. 



Let them be kept as pastures for Calves, for Swine ; and 

 Sheep may be safely admited, even among young trees, by 

 taking the precaution to give their bodies a coat of lime 

 over the bark, with a brush; or a coat of Mr. Forsytes 

 composition of fresh cowdung, old urine, and soapsuds; 

 either of which will, as is believed, be found a sufficient 

 security against the depredations of Sheep on the bark of 

 the trees, or of insects on the leaves. 



