SELECTING A SITE FOR AN ORCHARD. 71 



soil. Here, perhaps, the only thing to be studiously avoid- 

 ed, is the low lands. Land that holds water is unfit for 

 fruit of any kind, but especially so for peaches. Avoid- 

 ing this, the cultivator can scarcely go wrong within the 

 limits mentioned. 



In general, any soil that is well adapted to corn is good 

 for peaches. But a light, sandy loam is best. Quick 

 growth and rapid maturity, both of tree and fruit, are the 

 best conditions for the peach ; and a light, warm soil is 

 a necessary element in their production. The lighter 

 the soil, the earlier will the tree bear and the fruit ripen, 

 and the sooner will both decline. 



THE FIELD. 



IT is usual to plant an entire field, and often several. 

 As every planter wishes his plantation or farm to present 

 a handsome appearance to the public road or street, he 

 will, when selecting a site for an orchard, have regard to 

 this, and select a spot that will gratify this commendable 

 desire. Now, although orchards are very pretty in them- 

 selves, yet, as they hide every thing beyond them, it is 

 usually judicious to place them in the rear, where they 

 form a handsome background to a stately mansion and 

 beautiful lawn, flanked by waving fields of golden grain 

 and fragrant clover. Besides, as a general rule, they are 

 less exposed to depredations than when in front. 



SHAPE. 



SOME regard should also be had to the shape of the 

 field to be planted. A long strip, or angular piece, 

 should be avoided, unless it is all the land on one side of 

 a road, or properly rounds off another orchard. Orchards 

 planted in squares, other things being equal, look best, 

 and are most convenient. 



