ORCHARDS AND FRUITS. 129 



iiig it so early as to secure the highest prices. His apple orchard 

 presents the same appearance as the smaller ones already 

 described. 



The Committee append a few thoughts suggested by their 

 observations at Foxborough and elsewhere, and by discussions 

 arising among themselves. 



Form of pruning. — In our climate the apple-tree should not 

 be pruned in the saucer or wine-glass form. Such a form ex- 

 poses the naked limbs and bark to the direct and severe rays of 

 our bright and powerful sun. This form is well suited to a 

 humid climate, where the sun is less powerful, and is for long 

 periods shut out by clouds and fogs. The balloon or umbrella 

 form is best suited to our locality. The branches should not 

 materially cross or interlace, but while they exclude the direct 

 and more powerful rays of the sun from the bark, they should 

 be so thinned out as to admit its light and warmth to every part 

 of the tree. 



Time of Pruning. — Here opinions vary. "We say, between 

 the fall of the leaf and its germination. This is the time of 

 leisure. It is the most favorable time to judge of the shape of 

 the tree — to see just what needs to be removed. If necessary 

 to cut off large branches, the scar should be covered with a 

 solution of linseed oil and yellow ochre. This, without doing 

 injury, will keep the wound fresh and prevent cracking, which 

 is the only evil effect of winter pruning. 



Scraping. — This should be done, if at all, gently, so as not to 

 tear or bruise the bark. Many trees, of tender bark, like the 

 Sweet Bough, Porter, &c., may be seriously injured by severe 

 scraping. Follow nature as nearly as possible. 



Washes. — Nothing should be used which tends to tighten or 

 bind the bark. A solution of soft soap or whale-oil soap can do 

 no harm. 



Distance of Planting. — Thirty feet apart is the least distance 

 for apple-trees ; then they will cover the whole ground. Forty 

 feet is the common distance for orchards, and fifty feet if the 

 land is to be used for grass or grain. In all the orchards exam- 

 ined at Foxborough the trees stand from twenty to twenty-five 

 feet apart ; already, when but sixteen years old, they cover the 

 whole ground and begin to stretch into each other. 



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