4 THE FRUIT GROWERS' GUIDE. 



summer hoeing, as this will eradicate many weeds, and tend to the pulverisation of the 

 soil. Where no summer crop is taken, the ground must be kept in cultivation by plough- 

 ing, so as to prevent the growth of weeds, and expose the soil to atmospheric influences. 

 If the ground is poor, it should be manured several weeks before planting. The manure 

 should be spread evenly over the surface, not massing it around the roots of the trees ; 

 but after planting, a good layer placed on the soil immediately over the roots, and for 

 a foot beyond their extension, is of great service, especially during hot weather, in 

 encouraging the production of fibres near the surface, these being the promoters of 

 healthy growth and fruitful branches. 



Breaking up land with steam power or a subsoil plough will secure a depth of 

 fifteen inches or more, which is a near approach to trenching. This deep cultivation 

 is absolutely essential in all soils not naturally of a loose, open nature ; therefore, 

 whatever else is sacrificed, this important work must be done. Except in wet soils, 

 throwing the land in ridge and furrow should be avoided, it being a decided advantage 

 to have the orchard free from inequalities, but in wet soils forming the ground into 

 " lands" with deep furrows between enables the water to pass away, and the trees are 

 higher and drier than if planted on the level. These " lands " should be sufficiently wide 

 to accommodate a row of trees along the centre of each ridge. 



As to soil, it is only necessary to observe that thin soils, especially if light, are 

 hungry, and will not grow fruit well without liberal after-management and heavy 

 dressings of manure on the surface, while poor and wet clays cannot be made into suc- 

 cessful orchards without much, and probably too much, expense in draining, deepening, 

 enriching, and ameliorating. A deep stiff red sandstone loam is preferable for an apple 

 orchard, but the best soil for fruit of all kinds is stiff loam of a marly nature, or that 

 derived from strata which yield practically inexhaustible stores of potash and lime. 

 Cherries and pears are best adapted to light soils, plums to heavy. The chief causes 

 of failure in orchards are badly prepared, or rather unprepared, land, and unfavourable 

 situations. As regards the latter, a southerly aspect is favourable alike for insuring 

 the ripening of the wood and for attaining the highest colour and quality in the fruit, 

 but regard must be had to local surroundings, and it is best to choose the most 

 sheltered position, yet open to the sun the greater part of the day, whatever the 

 aspect may be. All sites for orchards should be as far as possible above the line of 

 fog and early descent of hoar frost, and not near, or on a level with, large sheets 

 of water. 



