(aor 9 
ihe most vigorous, and the soonest fit for pasturage or 
the scythe. Its hay appears to be of a better quality 
than that of any other of the gramineal grasses, be- 
cause equally relished by cows, horses and sheep. It 
is only, however, in soils neither too moist nor too 
dry, that it attains the perfection of which it is sus- 
ceptible, 
What remains of this subject may be referred to 
the general principles of tillage, and the particular 
preparation necessary for clover crops, both of which 
may be found in the preceding sections. . 
SECTION XII. 
Of Orchards. 
_ These are generally composed of Apple, Pear, 
Peach and Cherry trees. The Apple has been 
known from the most remote antiquity, and from the 
naines given to it, would appear to have been a na- 
tive of many different countries. (1) 
About the close of the 15th century, the varities of 
this fruit, in Europe, were multiplied to the number 
of forty-six,(2) and it is not to be doubted, but that 
four additional centuries have much increased this 
amount. While, however, the line was lengthining 
in this direction, it was shortening in another ; for ac- 
cording to the philosophy of the present day, vege- 
(1) The Syrian, Scanian, Pelusian, &c. About one bundred years before Christ, 
the Romans began to call them after particular men who had been instrumental in re- 
moving them—as the Appian, or Pomme D’A i of the French, after Claudius Appius 
(2) See Olivier de Serres. 
18 
