AMERICAN GARDENER. 191 



that very fine orchards have grass covering all 

 the ground beneath the trees; but these orchards 

 would be still Jiner if the ground were kept clear 

 from all plants whatever except the trees. Such 

 a piece of ground is, at once an orchard and a 

 pasture ; what is lost one way is, probably, gained 

 the other. But, if we come to fine and choice 

 fruits, there can be nothing that can grow beneath 

 to balance against the injury done to the trees. 



293. The roots of trees go deep. ; but the prin- 

 cipal part of their nourishment comes from the 

 top-soil. The ground should be loose to a good 

 depth, which is the certain cause of constant 

 moisture ; but trees draw downwards as well as 

 upwards, and draw more nourishment in the for- 

 mer than in the latter direction. Vine-yards, as 

 TULL observes, must always be tilled, in some way 

 or other; or they will produce nothing of value. 

 He adds, that Mr. EVELYN says, that " when 

 " the soil, wherein fruit trees are planted, is 

 " constantly kept in tillage, they grow up to an 

 " Orchard in half the time, they would do, if 

 " the soil were not tilled." Therefore, tillage is 

 useful ; but, it were better, that there were tillage 

 without under crops ; for these crops take away 

 a great part of the strength that the manure and 

 tillage bring. 



294. Now, then, as to the trees in my garden ; 

 they are to be choice peaches, nectarines, apricots, 

 plums, cherries, and grape vines, with a very few- 

 apples and pears. The sorts will be mentioned 

 hereafter in the Alphabetical list ; but, the 

 tillage for all except the grape --vines, is the same ; 

 and the nature of that exception will be particu- 

 larly stated under the name 



