184 Observations on Fruit Trees. 



peach trees, as well as the frequent superabundant fruit 

 that is often afforded at the same time, so that frequently 

 where there is no worm in the root, the tree is prema- 

 turely exhausted by over- bearing of wood and fruit? 

 Having planted some of the finest peaches that I ever 

 saw growing, and while loaded with a very promising 

 crop, by a sudden gust of wind, during a thunder storm, 

 one of them was completely stripped of all its limbs — 

 after which it put out, and the succeeding season, while 

 all its companions in years were dwindling by their ex- 

 cess of bearing the preceding year, this one proved and 

 continued for several years a good bearer, of the red 

 rare ripe kind. 



We may observe by the flowering almond and di* 

 vers other shrubs or trees, that when nature offers an 

 exuberant crop, that the plant, or roots are so enfeebled 

 thereby, as to exhibit some doubts of the surviving of 

 the plant or tree ; this induces me to suppose that we 

 frequently blame the worm, as a known ravager of the 

 peach trees, when perhaps, very many of them die by 

 our want of attention to them. I have (as yet in vain) 

 attempted to stimulate some of my friends in East Jer- 

 sey, to attempt a peach orchard in the sandy pine lands, 

 which I have great reason to believe would amply re- 

 pay all cost for the essay, by aftbrding perhaps the 

 finest fruit, known to us, in this western world. 



Thou will readily observe my dear friend this hasty 

 sketch is only offered, as hints for the excitement of 

 some who may be disposed to appreciate the advantages 

 of good fruit ; not only for themselves, but believing 

 when not abused by distillation, a blessing to our fa- 

 voured country ; hoping that some of your society will 



