398 SELECTIONS FROM ADDRESSES. 



moderately moist, and what is termed '' a deep pan soil," is the 

 preferable one ; and in such it will thrive, whether on the plains 

 or in the vallies, on the declivities, or summits of hills, and in 

 situations the most exposed. In soils thus constituted, whether 

 found among the alluvions of the Hoosic or Housatonic, upon 

 the slopes of the green mountain range, or on the intervening 

 table lands, the apple tree will grow vigorously, blossom and 

 mature its fruit. Rocky lands, into which the plough cannot 

 be conveniently introduced, are, in many respects, peculiarly 

 fitted and adapted to its growth. It is not in such situations 

 ■exposed to excessive drought ; the falling moisture flows from 

 the rocks into the soil, frequently and moderately irrigating it, 

 and heat is radiated and reflected from the rocks upon it, thus 

 providing two agents, the joint operations of which are essen- 

 tial to its thrift. To its successful culture on sandy plains, it 

 has been recommended to plant it in excavations eight or ten 

 feet across, and four or five feet deep, filled with small stones, 

 rich loam from the low lands, and barn-yard sweepings, well 

 mingled and compacted. 



The remark is frequently made, and is full of truth, that the 

 orchards on our hills and high elevations, where the soil is of 

 the elementary character just described, are going to decay ; 

 that the trees are covered over with the mosses, and their 

 branches dying and falling off" ; and these signs of deterioration 

 are attributed to climate and situation. The cause is not to be 

 found either in the original constitution of the soil, or in posi- 

 tion or temperature, or in the joint agencies of all. It is from 

 exhaustion, from want of proper cultivation, that the malady 

 comes. It is a disease from starvation, which bad husbandry, 

 or no husbandry at all has caused, and for which the husband- 

 / man is the only doctor ? and if, instead of debilitating by de- 

 ' pletion and giving the disease the upper hand, as other doctors 

 do, he aid nature's eff"orts for recovery by strengthening and 

 ^ nourishing food, as other doctors should, he will expel the dis- 

 temper. Trees which bear lichens, and grounds producing 

 ' muUen, pennyroyal and brakes, do so, because they cannot do 

 better. Let wood ashes, rich vegetable mould retentive of 

 moisture, and the suitable manures be applied, and not only 



