16- On Peach Trees* 



peach trees in my neighbourhood, to be short lived. 

 Farther south, in the western country, and, it seems in 

 some parts of New Jersey, they are durable and pro- 

 ductive, as they had been formerly here.^ 



In my youth, excellent plumbs grew here ; now we 

 can obtain none, but those of inferior species. In grapes 

 we were never successful ; though much more so than 

 at present. Our wheat in modern times, is attacked by 

 enemies unknown to our predecessors. Our apple or- 

 chards do not produce, as they did in early times. There 

 must therefore be some change in our climate ; and new 

 races of vermin, not known to our ancestors. In cities 

 and towns, grapes and plumbs and I believe peaches^ 

 are in high perfection. The atmosphere in which they 

 vegetate, possesses a character favourable to their 

 growth ; and their position admits fewer enemies to assail 

 them. I am aware that it is a frequent mistake, to draw- 

 general conclusions, from partial facts. My opinions 

 are formed on experience, I have gained on my own 

 property, and may not generally apply. I have near 

 1000 apple trees, 150 grape vines, 200 peach trees, and 

 a number of plumbs. They are of all ages, kinds and 

 exposures ; and set out in every vai'iety of soil. I have 

 endeavoured to practise on every information to be ac- 

 quired from books, or oral directions. I must there- 

 fore conclude from my frequent disappointments, that 



^ I have seen them also in great perfection, in and about 

 Lancaster, and other parts, where limestone and other calca- 

 reous substances abound. The cause I do not pretend to as- 

 sign; nor do I know the general duration of the ti'ee, in that 

 countrv. 



