FRUIT TP.nES. 185 



the pleasure of the family tabic, and vv'here it is manu- 

 factured into so many liquors ; the cider, the perry, the 

 wines, &c. both for fannily consumption, and the market ; 

 so that a few acres of fruit become a source of more 

 revenue, than the whole farm besides. Nothing", in ag- 

 ricuiture, gives so much value to the land it occupies, 

 as a good fruit tree. In many ins ranees, it adds many 

 hundred per cent, to its value. The original cost is a 

 mere nothing, even if the 3'oimg tree be purchased. 

 But if it be raised, and formed, as it may be, a little la- 

 bour procures it. The time, it requires to come to 

 a state of bearing, ought to be no objection ; for in the 

 mean time the land may be cropped, and the tree will 

 be the better for the tillage. Its growth and maturity 

 will be perceptibly hastened. The new value begins 

 with its plantation, and grows with its growth. Notwith- 

 standing, these advantages, and the ir.ntije ^sue 

 fruit trees, it is truly said by Dr. Tliacher^ of Massa- 

 chusetts, io his Orchardist that their cultivation has re- 

 ceived but inadequate attention from the farmers of our 

 country. It must be confessed, as a notorious truth, 

 that an orchard, planted and cultivated in the most ad- 

 vantageous manner in point of beauty, profit, and con- 

 venience, is scarcel}^ to be found. The most palpable 

 neglect prevails in respect of proper pruning, cleaning-, 

 and manuring round the roots of trees, and of perpetu- 

 ating choice fruit, by engrafting. Old orchards are, ia 

 general, in a state of rapid decay ; and it is not uncom- 

 mon to see valuable and thrifty trees exposed to the 

 depredations of cattle and sheep, and their loilage an- 

 noyed by catterpillars and other destructive insects. In 

 fact, we know of no branch of agriculture so unaccount- 

 ably and so culpably disregarded. 



Every thing depends upon care, enlightened care ia 

 securing, training, and forming the tree in the first place ; 

 and then on its subsequent management. It is this which 

 is to ensure its vigor and constant fertility. Men often 

 object to planting fruit trees and nurseries, on the plea 

 that they may never live to enjoy the fruits of them. 

 Such an objection is mercenary and selfisii, and betray* 

 an ignorance, or disregard, of the obligations we all 

 owe to posterity and to patriotism. For the well-being 

 and comlbrt of future generations, all good minds have 

 17 



