THE ORCHARD. 301 



of the largest growing trees nearest the oiitsides 

 exposed to those winds ; two or three rows of 

 which should be planted closer than ordinary, 

 which would greatly shelter those in the interior 

 parts of the Orchard. Walnut and Chesnut-trees, 

 as has been already observed, are well adapted 

 for this purpose. 



As to the size of an Orchard, it may be from 

 one to twenty acres, or more, according to the 

 quantity of fruit wanted, or the quantity of ground 

 that you may have fit for the purpose. 



That soil which produces good crops of corn, 

 grass, or garden vegetables, will also do for an 

 Orchard ; but a loamy soil is to be preferred ; 

 though any of a good quality, not too light or 

 dry, nor wet, heavy, or stubborn, but of a 

 moderately soft and pliant nature, will be found 

 to answer the end. Shingly and gravelly soils 

 disagree very much with fruit-trees, unless there 

 be loam intermixed.* They will succeed much 

 better on a chalk bottom. On such a soil, I have 

 seen roots twelve feet deep, and trees thrive 



* Where no better is to be had, the holes should be dug at 

 least three feet deep, and filled up with good mould : if mixed 

 up with rotten dung, rotten leaves, or other manure, the trees 

 will in time amply repay the expence : the dung used for this 

 purpose should be that from the Melon and Cucumber beds, 

 mixed with the mould from the same, when the beds are broken 

 up in Autumn or Winter ; it should be laid up in heaps, and 

 continue so for one year at least ; but should be frequently 

 turned, and have some good fresh mould mixed with it. 



