THE GENESEE FARMER. 



IJortiniltiiral Itjiartnitiit. 



((f 



CONDUCTED BY P. BARRY. 



The attention given at the present time to the culture of dwarf fruit trees, both in the 

 garden and orchard, in all parts of the country, renders the subject one of the most 

 important in the whole range of horticulture ; and at the hazard of repeating what we 

 may have heretofore said, we will take this occasion to ofter a few hints on their man- 

 agement. We are well convinced from hundreds of letters received from those who 

 are eno- lo-ed or enjrafrinof in their culture, that with all the information that has been in 

 various ways elicited within a year or two past, there yet exists a very general want of 

 tha-t particular kind of knowledge — and not only knowledge, but of that earnestness 

 and appreciation — so indispensable to success. A vast number of persons who never 

 before gave a thought to fruit culture, are all at once tempted into it by the irresistible 

 attractiveness of some dwarf trees, not over three or four years old, which they have 

 seen loaded with magnificent fruit in a neighbor's garden. They look upon this as an 

 example of fruit culture "made easy," and as a proof — as proof it is — that half a life 

 time need not be spent in waiting for their trees to bear. A resolution is at once 

 formed to plant a garden, perhaps an orchard. The ground is plowed after a fashion, 

 the nearest oracle is consulted in regard to the best sorts, the trees are procured and 

 planted ; and there the work ends. The next year, or year after, the trees are expected 

 to be loaded with such beautiful fruit as those which first awoke their enthusiasm and 

 enticed them to become planters ; but alas ! where are they ? Not one to be seen, per- 

 haps ; and not only that, but the trees generally are wanting in that vigorous, luxuriant 

 appearance, that indicates a perfect state of health ; they are, in fact, unthrifty and 

 unfruitful, looking quite as much like dying as living. At this stage of the procced- 

 ino's, it is suofCfested bv a knowingf one that these dwarf trees are a " humbug." " I told 

 you so." Thus results, and thus will result, the hasty, ill-advised planting enterprizes 

 of a multitude of persons. We are by no means drawing upon the imagination in this 

 matter, and we have not the least doubt but that many who read this will recognise the 

 course of proceeding pointed out as bearing a striking resemblance to theirs. 



We are very far from being disposed to aggravate the difiiculties of fruit culture, or 

 to try to persuade people that there is any mystery in the art of good cultivation, .)r any 

 obstacle in the way, that common care and skill can not remove. On the contrary, we 

 aim, and have always aimed, at giving every encouragement in our power consistent 

 with the truth. We must confess, however, that we are frequently surprized at the 

 comparative recklessness with which people embark in planting — spend perhaps ten, 

 twenty, or even fifty dollars for trees, without possessing a single correct practical idea 

 of their treatment ; witkout having consulted any reliable work, or engaged the assist- 

 ance of a competent person ; relying merely upon the uncertain light of a few vague 

 ideas picked up from some very questionable sources. What else can such people 

 reasonably expect but a failure ? And if a fiiilure happen them, they should at once 

 take the blame to themselves, and hasten to make amends. 



Having thus alluded to what may be termed nia I practice, we will sketch very briefly 

 the course we would recommend. When a plantation of dwarf trees has been deter- 

 mined upon, whether of 10 trees or 1000, the following considerations should be care- 

 fully considered, and all the information in regard to them be obtained'from the most 

 reliable sources : 



First, The Soil. Is it of a suitable character for the purpose ? Is it too wet, or too 

 dry ? Does it require draining, subsoil plowing, or trenching and manuring? It should 



% 

 gA 



