128 THE COXNECTICUT POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



Markets differ as to varieties. We have not the mar- 

 kets you have. There are two or three varieties that are 

 very profitable ; first, the Bartlett, then comes the Seckle, and 

 the Duchess third. I have an orchard of Keiffers ; they have 

 been of some profit, but not so much so as the others ; that 

 variety is a very good pear for canning. I ahvays ship them 

 where they are appreciated, — there is no accounting- for 

 tastes, you know. 



Perhaps a few words in regard to general orchard man- 

 agement might be of as much value as anything right here. 



In my conditions I want to use my ground thoroughly, 

 use it to the greatest advantage, because I am so situated I 

 can apply considerable stable manure. As a cover crop we 

 use soy beans and vetch. Our method is to begin a young 

 orchard by growing either potatoes or strawberries or cur- 

 rants or something of that kind. Any other vegetable crop 

 will do. Then as the orchard progresses we discard all these 

 crops and simply cultivate it in the early spring until about 

 mid-summer, then sow vetch in early August and allow it to 

 remain on the ground until early the next spring. Theoret- 

 ically, the orchard should be cultivated as early in the spring 

 as the ground can be worked, thus taking advantage of the 

 moisture which has been stored during the winter season and 

 put it in the shape of a great big sponge so that it will absorb 

 the rain that may fall. The ground that is properly cared 

 for is able to absorb all the moisture that falls as the seasons 

 come. Begin as early as possible to work that ground, to 

 create that mulch on the top to prevent the evaporation and 

 save the moisture for the fruit trees. The vetch or crimson 

 clover matures earlier than the red clover and we think gives 

 better results ; w think it retains the moisture better and more 

 evenly. 



We have not used commercial fertilizers to any extent 

 except in an experimental way. 



In our peach orchards it is not so easy to secure these 

 cover crops. I have depended somewhat upon oats and some- 

 what on weeds. I don't know that I ought to confess that. 



