CHAPTER IX. 



DISTANCES FOR PLANTING TREES. 



Persons about to plant orchards and fruit gardens, are often 

 at a loss to know the most suitable distances to place the 

 trees. The guiding rule should be to allow space enough 

 that when the trees attain the largest size, the sun's rays 

 may freely enter on every side. The roots as well as the 

 tops should have free space. As a general rule, the tops 

 should never approach nearer than one-half their diameter. 



Some varieties of the same kind of fruit grow to a much 

 greater size than others, but as an average, the following 

 distances may be adopted, varying with the amount of land, 

 and with the wishes of the owner, whether to obtain imme- 

 diately a large amount from a small space, or to make a 

 permanent orchard that shall long continue without becom- 

 ing crowded. 



Apples. In fertile districts of the country, Avhere the 

 trees may attain great size, and where there is plenty of 

 laiid, 40 ^eet is the greatest distance required. The usual 

 distance is two rods or 83 feet. Where the most is to be 

 made of the land, and where thinning-in the limbs is prac- 

 ticed when the trees become too large, 25 feet distance may 

 be adopted. For pyramids on apple stocks, 10 feet ; for 

 pyramids or dwarf standards on Doucain stocks, 8 feet ; for 

 dwarf round-headed trees on paradise stocks, 6 feet. 



Pears. Large growing standard varieties, on pear stocks, 

 20 feet ; dwarf standards on quince (with stems pruned up 

 2 or 3 feet, the heads with natural growth, or slightly thin- 

 ned by pruning but once a year, for orchard culture,) 8 feet ; 

 pyramids on pear stocks, 8 to 10 feet ; on quince, 6 feet. 

 It should never be forgotten that pears on quince should be 

 so placed as to admit of high or enriching cultivation. It 

 is quite useless to plant them and then neglect giving them 

 the best care. 



Peaches. It is usual lo allow about 20 feet for peach 

 trees that are never short ?ned-in, but permitted to spread 

 out and take their natural 'ourse. But if shortened-in an- 



