78 PEACH CULTURE. 



the spring. For this reason it is well to secure the treei 

 in the fall, even if they are not to be planted until spring. 

 The ground is generally in better order in the fall than in 

 the spring, and the planting can, in consequence, be done 

 in a more satisfactory manner. It is also a more convenient 

 season for the planter. His corn has been harvested, his 

 fall work generally disposed of; and just before the win- 

 ter sets in, he can plant his orchard. For these reasons 

 we prefer the fall ; but if more convenient, we should not 

 hesitate to plant in the spring. Our experience justifies 

 this conclusion. We commenced planting an orchard in 

 the fall of 1867 ; but, before we finished, we were over- 

 taken by winter ; the residue of the trees were heeled-in 

 until the next spring, when they were planted. In the sum- 

 mer of 1869, we could not tell which looked best. Both 

 did very well. In the fall, planting may commence as 

 Boon as the leaves can be rubbed off with the hand, and 

 continue until winter stops the work. In spring, it may 

 commence as soon as the ground is dry enough, and con- 

 tinue until the buds come out. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

 ORCHARD CULTIVATION. 



FIRST TRIMMING. 



When the trees are planted in the fall, it is preferable 

 to leave a few branches towards the top of the stem. 

 They serve as a sort of shield to frosts of winter. 

 When planting is done in the spring, the trees should be 

 trimmed close and smooth like a rod, every limb taken 

 off, and the tops cut down to a uniform height of not less 

 than two feet and a half, nor more than three and a half. 



