ORCIIAKDS. 



43 



by the boroj', and some others gave satisfactory evidence 

 to the Committee that they were not of the best quality 

 when taken from the nursery. Notwithstanding this 

 less flattering appearance of some of the trees, still we 

 have no doubt that, with a continuance of the same care 

 and judicious culture, Mr. Sawtell will, in a few years, 

 be in possession of a fine orchard, and enjoy plentifully 

 the rich fruits thereof. 



The appearance of a few trees in this orchard exem- 

 plifies the great importance of selecting none but good 

 ones for planting. A poor tree is not worth transplant- 

 ing even if obtained as a gift, while a good tree is cheap 

 at double the price usually paid. In purchasing trees 

 for an orchard, regard should also be had to the distance 

 from the ground at which the lower limbs start out 

 from the trunks. As there is no doubt that the whole 

 ground of an orchard for some years at least after plant- 

 ing, if not for its whole existence, should be kept under 

 cultivation, and as this can be done easier with the plow 

 than the spade, it becomes necessary that the lowest 

 branches should be out of the way of the yoke and 

 horns of oxen, or the harness and back of the horse. For 

 this purpose it has been found by experience that five 

 feet from the surface of the ground is the least distance 

 at which the limbs should be allowed to remain. 



So too in orchard culture. Apple trees should be set 

 out at least two rods apart ; otherwise, when mature 

 growth is attained, the branches of adjoining trees will 

 interfere with each other, compelling them to tend 

 upward for light and air, and thus subjecting the owner 

 to the trouble and hazard of ascending lofty trees to 

 gather his fruit. 



