ORCHARD CULTIVATION. 83 



and that a tree cut-in annually will remain longer thrifty 

 than one not so treated. The leaves will be greener, the 

 young bearing wood more abundant, and the fruit larger 

 and richer. But in a congenial soil, where orchards are 

 nearly as easily renewed as strawberries, and where the 

 trouble and expense of cut ting-in are considerable, it will 

 not be often resorted to. 



PLOWING. 



The orchard should be plowed at least twice during 

 the year. Once between the middle of April and the 

 middle of May ; and again between the middle of Septem- 

 ber and the middle of October; each time with a small plow. 

 A small plow is preferable, because it can be easily handled 

 and guided among the trees and about the roots without 

 injury; and also because a large plow makes the furrows 

 too deep, and thereby cuts the roots. The furrows should 

 be narrow, so that the ground may boi well broken. The 

 rows of trees are first plowed around with a low horse or 

 mule, so that he can walk close up to the trees. The 

 single-tree used should not be more than eighteen inches 

 long, and the ends should be covered with stiff leather 

 shields. The horse should be muzzled to keep him 

 from biting the trees. Both these precautions should be 

 taken whenever an orchard is plowed, but in plowing 

 amongst young trees, it is doubly important. The fur- 

 rows, in the spring, are thrown from the .tree; in the fall, 

 towards them. The reason of this is, that in spring, when 

 growth commences, it is not advantageous, but rather in- 

 jurious to the tree to have any soil piled around it. The 

 light and air are wanted to act on the roots. The rains 

 also, trickle down the branches and stems, and thus reach 

 the roots. A pile of earth, therefore, around tte roots, 

 sheds the water, and prevents its proper distiibution. 

 But in the fall, after the growth has "been made and the 



