200 HAMP., FRANKLIN, & HAMPDEN SOCIETY. 



preventive of the ravages of the borer. I practise the " short- 

 ening in " system of pruning the peach tree, believing it to be 

 by far the best method to promote the health and beauty of the 

 tree, and also the size and quality of the fruit. Some of my 

 " Early Crawford " peaches, that grew on trees thus trimmed, 

 measured nine inches in circumference, and weighed seven 

 ounces. Forty-five peaches filled a peck measure, well round- 

 ed, weighing twelve and three-fourths pounds, which is more 

 than four and a half ounces each on an average. 



I have another field that was set out in 1849, with three 

 hundred and forty peach, and sixty apple trees. I planted 

 potatoes between the rows the first year, and after hoeing once 

 or twice the second year, I sowed buckwheat between the 

 rows, and did not hoe them again, until after haying this year, 

 and about one quarter of the field, I have not yet hoed, design- 

 ing to leave it without cultivation, to ascertain what will be 

 the effect upon the growth of the tree and produce of fruit. 

 So far as my experience extends, I am decidedly in favor of 

 thorough cultivation, judicious annual pruning and washing of 

 the trees, together with a top-dressing of ashes, lime, &-c., as 

 indispensable pre-requisites to a vigorous and productive or- 

 chard. My principal varieties are the Early Crawford, Yellow 

 Rareripe, and Royal George, which I consider the most profit- 

 able for market. 



Belchertown, Oct, 6, 1851. 



