COMING IN. 85 



CHAPTER XIV. 



COMING IN. . 



A full crop of peaches may usually be expected the 

 fourth year after planting. Thus, an orchard planted in 

 the fall of 1865, yields a full crop of peaches in 1869. 

 When we say a fdll crop, we mean a basket to the tree. 

 This is a full crop for trees of that age and size, and quite 

 as much as they ought to bear. Some, however, will bear 

 two baskets instead of one, and others will not have half 

 a basket. Something depends upon variety, culture, and 

 so on. Sometimes it is very difficult to account for the 

 difference in production. But there are some varieties 

 that uniformly bear large crops, and others that as uni- 

 formly bear small ones ; the Troth, or Old Mixon, is an 

 instance of the former, and Susquehanna of the latter. 

 i From years, however, of observation, it is found that 

 certain varieties are not only much more fruitful than 

 others, but commence bearing much, earlier. Whether 

 or not they continue as long, is a question not so well 

 settled, as there has not been time enough for observa- 

 tion. From present indications it would seem that they 

 do ; but longer experience and closer observation will be 

 needed to test it thoroughly. 



We have said a full crop may be expected in four 

 years. Of course this general statement should be quali- 

 fied by the remark that it is not to be expected if the 

 season be inimical. If there is a failure generally, the 

 young trees will share the fate of the old ones. 



Again, they often begin to bear earlier. We have seen 

 trees, planted in the spring, mature perfect fruit the 

 eame fall ; and we have now, July 1869, young trees full 



