84 PEACH CULTURE. 



fruit gathered, the tree needs rest, the less water about 

 the stem the better. The earth thrown up about the root 

 is then a positive advantage, as it not only sheds the 

 winter rains in some degree, but it also serves as a mulch 

 to protect from injury. This tender part is what is called 

 the "neck," and extends about an inch above, and two 

 below the surface. Here, then, is a constant ebb 

 and flow of heat, and operating-un contrary directions 

 at different seasons. In summer the air is warmer than 

 the earth ; but in winter, colder. The surface line marks 

 the limit of these two influences ; and from their constant 

 fluctuations, it is always a tender point, and liable to be 

 attacked by disease. 



In plowing around the trees, about two circuits are 

 made. The middles are then broken up with two horses 

 or mules, and a somewhat larger plow ; but a very large 

 plow should never be used. When the ground is thus 

 plowed, it is carefully harrowed, or cultivated down, un- 

 til every clod is broken, and the whole surface left as 

 smooth as a garden. In doing this, one horse and a small 

 harrow is used around the trees, and two horses and <i 

 larger one in the middles. In wet seasons, foul land> ox 

 very rich soil, the cultivations may have to be repeated 

 oftener than have been mentioned heretofore in th : s 

 chapter. Indeed, the best planters now cultivate their 

 orchards as they do their corn, about four or five times 

 between the spring plowing and the first of July. 



