PLANTING AN ORCHARD. 75 



In planting an orchard, it is usual to plant a number of 

 varieties ; some early, some late, and some intermediate 

 ones. The object of this is two-fold. First, in order that 

 success or failure may not depend altogether upon a sin- 

 gle variety, but upon many. Secondly, that the fruit 

 may ripen progressively, so that the planter will have a 

 supply for the market during the entire season. Also, 

 that he may be the better able to handle the crop, for 

 while it may be quite convenient to send ten thousand 

 baskets of a dozen varieties to market during a season of 

 six weeks, it may be quite impracticable to send the same 

 quantity, of one variety, in a single week. For these rea- 

 sons a selection is made, beginning with the earliest, and 

 ending with the latest. 



One side of the orchard should be fixed upon as the 

 front. Here should be the entrance, and as near the 

 center as convenient, and from the entrance there should 

 be an avenue, or main way, through to the rear. This 

 should be at least thirty feet wide ; and, if large peach 

 wagons are to be used, more space will be required, or at 

 least a turning place at the faf end. 



The earliest fruit should be planted next the entrance ; 

 and progressively to the rear, planting the latest last. 

 This will enable the planter to clear his orchard, as he 

 goes. The trees in front will be relieved, the limbs will 

 gradually regain their former position, little or no fruit 

 will be knocked off in gathering, and the good temper 

 both of the proprietor and hands be maintained. 



The actual planting now begins by digging holes for the 

 trees. When the ground has been ridged, as above describ- 

 ed, they are made in the center of the ridge about a foot or 

 fifteen inches below the natural surface. We say natural 

 surface, because it will not do to place the young trees 

 on the top of the ridge. By doing this, they would be 

 simply planted upon a hillock, which would soon wear 

 away, leaving the trees without adequate moisture or 



