79 



with dry moss, and then cxckided from the air and vermin." .... 

 The French nurserymen make the acorn, or other seed, germinate 

 in moist earth, or saw dust, and, before phmting it, pinch off the 

 end of the root. This causes the pLant immediately to throw out 

 side fibres. For the same purpose it is the practice, in Enghind, 

 either to transplant the oak after one or two years growth, re- 

 moving at the time a part of the top root, or to cut it off, without 

 removing, by inserting a spade, obliquely, six or eight inches be- 

 neath the surface. In either case, the plant had several roots to 

 depend upon, in place of its single, original top root. In some 

 cases, after it has grown in the place where it is to remain for 

 two or three years, it is cut down to the ground ; it will then thi-ow 

 up vigorous shoots, and send down perpendicular roots. All but 

 the most promising of the shoots may be carefully removed. This 

 has been tried with marked success by Rev. Morrill Allen of Pem- 

 broke, who has paid much attention to the cultivation of the oak. 



The oaks are better fitted than almost any other trees, 



to stand along the borders of cultivated fields ; as, where the soil 

 is deep enough to allow it, they send their roots to a considerable 

 depth, and thus disturb but slightly the growth of grass and other 

 herbaceous plants and low shrubs. 



REPORT ON FRUIT AND FRUIT CULTURE. 



The great importance of this branch of our agricultural indus- 

 try has been frequently urged upon the consideration of the peo- 

 ple of New England ; and it would seem to have had fittle effect, 

 if we judge by the condition of a majority of our orchards. But 

 very few of our cultivators realize a profit from this branch, — and 

 why ? Because it is not pursued with the same degree of intelli- 

 gence that is bestowed on other branches. Still there is no mystery 

 about it. It requires no more sagacity to manage a tree than to 

 cultivate a patch of potatoes or corn properly ; and the same care 

 and cultivation will make the orchard a source of profit and plea- 

 sure. Many say that their land is not suitable for fruit, and offer 

 this as a reason for their failure in this matter. We believe this 



