360 THE CULTIVATION OF THE 



5th. I have never known them to be injured with 

 frost only in Spring, when in full bloom. 



6th. In 1881, when the peaches were all killed, the 

 pears were not injured. 



7th. I do not want to plough until the ground is in 

 good order ; for the first three years, only for a few furrows 

 around the tree ; regular ploughing after that, two to 

 three inches, after they get to regular bearing, is about 

 the right depth. Corn or potatoes can be alternated as 

 the best crops, and after three years, cultivate without 

 any crop for a year or two. I found that by letting my 

 orchard lay in grass after the blight struck it, I got 

 entirely rid of the disease. I may be mistaken, but my 

 impression is that high cultivation before they come in 

 full bearing, is conducive to blight. I found that the 

 blight always commenced about the middle of June, and 

 always commenced on the new growth, and by letting 

 my orchard go for three years it ceased to appear, and 

 since that time I have not worked it only about every 

 two years, leaving a grass plot around the trees. They 

 bear regular and good fruit. I do not think that any 

 fertilizer should be used very heavy. Wood and coal 

 ashes I have found to be all that is wanted on my soil. 

 A mulch of straw in the Fall would be of use while young. 

 I trimmed until I got them in good shape. After they 

 begin to bear, I think they need but little trimming. I 

 have never found worms to trouble them. I have never 



