465 



XX. -ORCHARDS. 



THE formation of orchards, says LAWSON, are to be consi- 

 dered among the permanent improvements of a farm, and should 

 be kept in view in its first arrangement and laying out. In- 

 deed, no farm can be considered as complete without an or- 

 chard. An orchard should be of moderate size, that is, propor- 

 tioned to the size of the estate the objects to which its pro- 

 duce is to be applied, &c. The planting and care of orchards 

 has been too much neglected in our country, which, from its 

 climate, soil, &c. is admirably adapted for all varieties. Or- 

 chards may be considered in reference to soil and situation, the 

 kinds of trees, planting, culture, and the manufacture and dis- 

 posal of the products. The Farmer's Assistant says that the 

 most suitable soil, for almost every kind of tree grown in the 

 orchard, is that which is warny, dry, and fertile. Even light 

 sandy lands are better for the purpose than stiff clays. It is 

 most advisable to make use of hilly or uneven grounds, if the 

 soil be suitable, and let those that are level be reserved for the 

 plough. 



The following excellent article, which appears to have been, 

 prepared by the Editor of the Practical Farmer from the very- 

 best authorities, we take mucli pleasure in incorporating in this 

 volume, as affording all, or nearly all, the information necessary 

 on a subject of great interest. 



The most desirable aspect, is unquestionably a somewhat 

 elevated and naturally sheltered declivity, open to the south and 

 south-east. But orchards are now found "in every aspect, and 

 on soil of every quality, and under every culture." Although 

 the most approved site is that which is open to the south-east, 

 and sheltered in other points, but particularly that opposite, yet 

 much depends upon the character of the winds of a country. 

 When the violence of a west wind is broken by an intervening 

 rise of ground, a south-west aspect has been found equal to 

 any. 



Planting and cultivation. The first thing to be deter- 

 mined upon, in the planting of an orchard, is the proper dis- 

 tance of the trees; if a mere fruit plantation be the object, the 

 distance may be small; if the cultivation of grain and grass be 

 in view, the space between the trees must be wider; at thirty 

 feet apart, an acre will contain forty-eight trees; at thirty -five 



