84 Peach -Culture. 



most important things connected with the treatment of the peach-tree is 

 the pruning, or rather shortening-in process. Those who have never made 

 the experiment will be perfectly surprised to see the difference between 

 a tree that has been allowed to take its own course, and one that has been 

 cai efully shortened in each year. The first will, after a few years, show only 

 long, lean branches, presenting an awkward appearance, and being at the 

 .«.;mie time ui' profitable, because but little new wood is made to bear fruit, 

 and that so remote from the trunk, that the branches on which it grows are 

 liable to be broken off and destroyed ; while those that have been properly 

 shortened will be low-set and bushy, with a fine, symmetrical, well-rounded 

 head, with an abundance of new wood for fruit-bearing. The latter mode 

 is incomparably the better one. One serious hinderance to the successful 

 cultivation of this fruit during the past few years has been the yellows, — 

 a disease that has been induced by the forcing process, which has been pur- 

 sued with this tree. We are glad to believe that this disease, like the pota- 

 to-rot, is disappearing ; and that, with proper treatment, peach-trees will 

 remain healthy for many years. We have always believed that the loss of 

 trees was often attributed to this cause, when, in fact, they were destroyed 

 by the peach-borer. This insect is a great pest in many places ; and only 

 the utmost vigilance will prevent the destruction of whole orchards by this 

 silent enemy. 



It has been a favorite belief with some, that the poorest land was the 

 best for the peach ; but we think experience has shown the fallacy of this 

 theory. If we were to advise as to the best soil on which to plant a peach- 

 orchard, we should say, without hesitation, plant on land that will grow a 

 good crop of corn, — a good soil with a deep-yeilow sandy or gravelly loam 

 subsoil, no matter if somewhat rocky : never plant on a wet, adhesive soil ; 

 and avoid, if possible, the opposite extreme, where the trees would suffer from 

 drought. The more sheltered the location from cold, sweeping winds, the 

 better; though it is not best to plant on the south side of hills, where the 

 trees would start early, in those parts of the country subject to late frosts 

 in the spring. Western or even northern exposures, if they have protection, 

 will be preferable. Having selected the proper soil, prepare it well by 

 a fair supply of such manure as seems best adapted to the peach, — ashes, 

 bone-dust, or old horse-manure composted with muck ; then plough it thor- 



