No. 4.] FRUIT CULTURE. 237 



tors into their composition, it is quite valuable for the keep- 

 ing quality of the fruit. Avoid the sandy loams for apples, 

 — they are better for peaches and cherries. Choose well- 

 elevated positions for orchard sites, rather than low bottom 

 land. These afford better natural drainage, while the cir- 

 culation of air is also better, and there is less danger from 

 frost when trees are in or just out of bloom. The eold air 

 on frosty nights will roll down from the hills into the val- 

 leys, the same as water will seek the lower levels. There 

 is also an advantage in the higher elevations from the fact 

 that the winter temperature does not fall so low. The soil 

 should be under cultivation to corn or potatoes one year 

 previous to setting of the trees. This gives the best pos- 

 sible condition of soil before planting. 



In the planting of the trees, give ample space. The mis- 

 take in our planting is crowding too many trees upon an 

 acre of land ; hence, give plenty of room. Now, what 

 would be considered, here in New England, ample space? 

 I should say at least from 40 to 45 feet distance each way. 

 That is spreading out the trees a long distance apart ; but 

 right here is another suggestion, — that you do double 

 planting. When you start an orchard, double plant this 

 same piece of land, — that is, set in the spaces between the 

 rows with early bearing kinds that mature early ; and you 

 will see that for a number of years the fruit can be made 

 in this way to add largely to the profits in the business. 

 Then, when the trees begin to crowd upon each other, take 

 out the inside trees. Now, I feel that I must be a little 

 careful in recommending this practice, for the reason that 

 there are very few men who plant trees this way who have 

 backbone enough to take them out when they ought to ; 

 hence I want to give a word of direct caution at this 

 point, because the man who plants this way and does not 

 take out his trees at the right time will ruin his Avhole busi- 

 ness, because his land will be so filled with the roots of 

 these trees that one will overlap the other, and there will be 

 so much shade cast upon his orchard that his fruit will not 

 be of good quality; and if he thinks, "I will take just 

 one more crop," and then one more, and just one more, he 



