52 THE CULTIVATION OF THE 



been planted before ploughing the peach-orchard, for 

 the ground being covered with dead grass, etc., will 

 attract frost less, and thus save the crop from its 

 ravages. On the whole, probably, very few now 

 advocate this view, and nearly all growers advise early 

 ploughing. Some advocate re- ploughing in the fall, 

 especially old orchards. This may do when there is a 

 rank growth of weeds, grasses, etc., to check the ravages 

 of rabbits, mice, etc., and throws the soil open to oxyda- 

 tion ; but, as a rule, I don't think autumn ploughing 

 necessary or advantageous. 



How shall we plough, and how often ? Plough not 

 over four inches in the middle, and shallower still around 

 the trees, with a small plough. A majority plough once, 

 and work up to the trees with harrow and cultivator' 

 It does not make a great difference, but it is probably 

 better to plough twice at slight intervals, first throwing 

 furrows from the trees, and in the second ploughing, 

 throwing them back to the trees. After ploughing, 

 harrow thoroughly, and keep the cultivator going as 

 often as shall be necessary to keep the ground clear of 

 all weeds and grasses, and only stop when the fruit 

 bends down the limbs so as to impede the horses. 

 This time will be about from the tenth to the twentieth 

 of June. After this, no more tillage until the next 

 season. If any noxious weeds grow later, they may be 

 cut off and allowed to decay on the ground, as they 



