ORCHARDS. 53 



quince at two or three inches above the line which marks the 

 union of the graft with the stock, in order to pear-root them ; 

 and have been successful witli a large number. Some, placed 

 deeper, did not thrive ; and I do not think it well to exceed 

 three inches. I have been thus particular in the matter of set- 

 ting the trees, because I am persuaded that success in growing 

 the pear, especially upon the quince, is largely dependent upon 

 doing this part of the work well ; and I have never known trees 

 to refuse to grow, if they would grow at all, where the course 

 here indicated was substantially followed. 



The ground on which these trees stand has been kept open, 

 with the plough, where it could be done without injury to the 

 roots, and with the spading-fork about the trees. It has 

 received a moderate dressing of stable or compost manure 

 annually, and been cropped with potatoes or garden vegetables, 

 with the exception of that portion on which the larger trees 

 stand, the present year. It has yielded, I should say, nearly or 

 quite enough to pay for what has been expended upon it, apart 

 from the cost and setting of the trees ; but as it properly 

 belongs to them, I have sought to avoid withdrawing what was 

 intended for their support. Tlu^ee hundred and fifty are in a 

 thrifty condition, and a large numljer have made what may be 

 called a luxuriant growth ; though I am of the opinion that 

 they would have made a decided growth sooner, and been in 

 advance of where they are now, if they had been manured more 

 heavily at the outset. 



To have trees start at once^ should be the aim of every one 

 who sets them ; and the opinion which has prevailed in times 

 past, that they are injured by such treatment as we ordinarily 

 give a good crop of corn, is very easily proved, in practice, to 

 be erroneous. I have not been able to bestow upon mine all the 

 care I would have been glad to ; but I have done what I have to 

 insure form and substance to the tree, without present anxiety 

 for the crop of fruit. All have been headed in closely, to bring 

 them into shape and prevent a slender growth, unable to sus- 

 tain itself when fruit shall appear. Some have borne well, one, 

 two, three and four years, while others have produced a few 

 specimens only. It was my purpose to have spoken only of the 

 varieties I have fruited, their excellences or defects as they 

 have developed themselves with me, the habits of the trees as 



