STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETT. 67 



ago, the larger part of the fruit being natural fruit, or cider apples, 

 as we called them. Wishing to get good apples as soon as I could, 

 I commenced in three different ways at the same time, by grafting 

 the old trees, by planting the seed, and by setting New York ttees. 

 Now, in as few words as possible, I will tell of the success that I have 

 met with. 



From the old trees which I grafted, I got apples at the same time 

 as from the New York trees ; but not so large and nice as from the 

 young trees. Perhaps for two or three 3-ears I got more apples from 

 the old trees, but at the present time the larger part of the old trees 

 are dead and the rest of them do not amount to much. The young 

 trees are fine, and doing as well as any one could ask. 



The seed that I planted came up in due time and grew quite well, 

 and the third year I set them in the orchard, and grafted them the 

 fourth and they commenced to bear the sixth ; that is the sixth year 

 from the time I planted the seed, and at this time I was getting from 

 one-half bushel to two bushels from each of the New York trees'. 

 The old trees at this time were doing quite well. The trees of my 

 own growing now are very good trees. Not an}' better as far as I 

 can judge than the New York trees, and if I was going to set an 

 orchard now, should buy good nursery trees 



When desired to plant an orchard the first thing to do is to choose a 

 site. I would select a north, north-east, east or south-east slope if I 

 had such, if not, such as I had, prefer a slope to flat land. 



Do not set trees in some old field or pasture, that was never 

 plowed or ever will be, expecting to grow fruit that will ever amount 

 to much ; if you do, you will be disappointed. 



After selecting a site do not be in a hurry to plant, but thoroughly 

 prepare the ground the fall before. Plow deep, and make it rich 

 by the use of stable manure, ashes or any good fertilizer. Pre- 

 pare as well as you would for corn, and the next spring plant the 

 trees Look over your neighbors' orchards, and see what do 

 the best on land similiar to what you have selected. When decided 

 what kinds you want, order from some responsible, honest nursur}'- 

 man who will send what you order. Two, or three-year old trees 

 are large enough, and will thrive better than larger, or older ones. 

 Do not set too many varieties. 



When your trees are delivered, be sure and keep them out of the 

 sun and wind, for the little fine roots will dry up verj' quick. Cover 

 them up with straw or hay, keep wet until planted, and take but a 



