PLANNING AND PLANTING AN ORCHARD. 

 By Fred A. Smith, Ipswich, Mass. 



Delivered before the Society, March 9, 1912. 



(Author's Abstract). 



As a result of the holding of the New England Fruit Shows to- 

 gether with the constant attention and space given fruit discussions 

 and orchard subjects in our horticultural and agricultural magazines 

 and even in the Sunday and daily papers, we find ourselves witness- 

 ing an unusually keen interest all over New England in the subject 

 of fruit growing. This has resulted in the attempted renovations 

 and better care of old orchards and a greatly increased planting of 

 new orchards. 



In planting a young orchard, particularly of apples, the first 

 consideration is the choice of a location. This is often predeter- 

 mined; that is, if the farm or site is already purchased. 



Concerning the soil, practically all except the lightest of sands 

 and heavy clays are adapted under certain other conditions for 

 the growth of apples. 



The elevation is important; if possible avoid low and fiat land; 

 secure at least a slight elevation above the general level. It is 

 not desirable often to select the greater elevations, for the exposure 

 to high winds may cause serious loss of fruit. 



The question of slope of land or exposure as regards the point 

 of compass is not so important as often considered. 



In the preparation of the orchard site a few years of good culti- 

 vation — as good as for a crop of corn or potatoes — is desirable, 

 and thoroughness in this detail may often mean much in the success 

 of the future orchard. One can safely plant, however, in a recently 

 cut over tract or in sprout land if he is willing to give the necessary 

 attention to the subsequent care and treatment. There are 



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