GI<:XJ-:K. i L PR A CTICE. ORCHA RDS. 8 3 



condition, while the liming occasionally given to insure sweetness for the fowls secures 

 a healthy condition of the soil for the fruit trees. On the other hand, cutting orchard 

 grass for horses is objectionable or beneficial according to circumstances. If the grass is 

 cut and taken away year after year without anything being returned, it results in 

 exhaustion of the soil, and there are neither good crops of grass nor fruit ; but where the 

 ground is manured every second year, in order to obtain succulent early grass for 

 cutting, and the aftermath eaten off by sheep, there is no soil impoverishment, the 

 sward is free from moss, and of a bright emerald green in the spring. What is necessary 

 to grow good grass and clover is essential for clear-skinned, full-sized fruit, namely, 

 fertile soil ; and there are the important factors in the production of both that cannot be 

 ignored, namely, light and air. A forest-like orchard is of no good for ewes, lambs, 

 or tender calves ; it is useless for fowls, worthless for grass, and equally so for growing 

 fruit. The trees must be sufficiently far apart to admit sun to the soil, their heads must 

 be kept open so as to prevent a thicket of weak and dead twigs, and to allow the sun to 

 scorch up moss and lichen that may affect the trees, though it is better not to allow 

 them to do so. In brief, the soil must be kept fertile and the trees clean, or full crops 

 of fine fruit cannot be had from orchards on -grass. 



In preparing land for trees, the two essentials are deep and thorough cultivation and 

 draining, unless the ground is naturally well drained. Draining has been referred to, 

 but we may remark that high ground is not always well drained, though it may incline 

 sharply, nor is low ground of necessity wet, although its surface may be flat. Drainage 

 must be considered on the hillside as well as in the dale, for trees cannot produce good 

 fruit when the roots are in water. 



To ensure success in the planting of orchard trees, the ground must be put in as good 

 condition as possible. Any extra expenditure to secure a good tilth will be amply repaid 

 in the aftergrowth and produce of the trees. Where practicable, it is sound to have 

 the preparation begun and pursued a year before the trees are to be planted. This is 

 applicable to arable and pasture land alike, which is to be employed for fruit trees. 

 Thorough and deep breaking up, as soon as practicable in the autumn, leaving the 

 surface rough during the winter, admits air to the subsoil, and quickens inert sub- 

 stances. This may be effected with a steam cultivator, or a strong team of horses 

 following in each furrow with a subsoil plough. This is particularly required to break 

 up the hard pan formed by years of shallow culture. Continue the preparation during 

 the following summer, and if a crop be taken, let it be of roots requiring manure,, also 



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