36 Domestic Jfotices. 



Art. II. Domestic Notices. 



Premium of the Massachusetts Agricultural Society, for the best 

 apple orchard in the Commonweallh. — The Committee of the Mas- 

 sachusetts Agricultural Society, have awarded their premium of fifty 

 dollars t"or the hest orchard, to Capt. George Randall, of New Bed- 

 ford. With the letter of application or ofter for the premium, Capt. 

 Randall submitted to the Committee some account of his method of 

 ])!anting, and the future management of the trees: these remarks 

 were subsequently enlarged, at the request of the Committee. 



From Capt. Randall's communication, we learn that he has been 

 vcr}' successful in the application of whale oil soap as a wash for 

 his trees, preventing thus far the borer from attacking them. Mr. 

 Randall, if we recollect aright, was the gentleman who first sug- 

 geste<l to Mr. Haggerston the value of whale oil soap, as an antidote 

 to noxious insects. It was during a visit which Mr. Haggerston made 

 to Mr. Randall, in the spring of 1841, to look at some fine stock in 

 his possession, that he suggested to him a trial of the soap on his 

 trees, as reconmiended in the letter we have alluded to; and it was 

 in consequence of this, that it occurred to Mr. Haggerston that it 

 might answer the purpose of destroying the rose slug. How well it 

 has answered this object, every one can affirm, who has tried the 

 most valuable discovery of Mr. Haggerston. Its use appears to be 

 no less important in the destruction of other insects injurious to trees 

 and plants. 



Capt. Randall's orchard was planted out in the spring of 1837, 

 and comprises about three and a half acres; the soil good, but rather 

 light. Every year since, the ground has been planted to roots, such 

 as potatoes, ruta baga, mangel wurtzel, &c. The manures used 

 have been common stiible compost, loam, swamp mud, peat ashes, 

 jdaster, ami a small quantity of saltpetre. The first pruning wag 

 made on tlie first of May last, at which time every tree had the 

 earth removed from its base, to examine for borers, and not one 

 wa^ found, or any indication of one. 



The whole number of trees planted was two hundred and twelve; 

 the distance apart twenty-five feet. In four years from the nursery, 

 they had acquired, several of them, near the roots, about thirteen 

 inches in circumference. 



Capt. Randall's mode of planting was so thorough, and com- 

 pleted in so woikmanlike a manner, that we recommend it to others. 

 It was as follows:— The mutilated roots of each tree are carefully 

 cut off smooth, even the small fibrous ones, and engrafting salve put 

 over large cuts. The roots are immersed in water for above one 

 half hour before jjlanting, thereby inducing the mould or loam to 

 become attached to them"; the hole to be dug sufficiently large, so 

 that every root may extend without bending or being cramped. He 

 j)uts nothing around the roots but surface earth, and that carefully- 

 worked in by hand, each root and fibre thus laying horizontally and 

 naturally. No manure is made use of in setting, but a bushel or so 



