l»KAU ORCHARDS. 67 



PEAR ORCHARDS. 



If one would succeed in Pear-growing, he must not only have an 

 interest in, but a desire and taste for it. Simply because Mr. A or 

 Mr. B., or some other Pear-grower, by his study, perseverance and 

 hard work lias succooded and acquired a livelihood by growing pears, 

 it is no index that another individual will succeed by transplanting the 

 best of trees in soil well adapted to their growth, without farther exer- 

 tions on his part. 



Therefore, we would say to the young farmer, or pear-grower, that 

 the first matter of importance is suitable soil ; and as far as our ob- 

 servation goes, we would avoid hungry, gravelly, or sandy soils. Low, 

 sunken and swampy grounds are also to be excluded. We have no- 

 ticed pears to make very good growth, and appear to do well on allu- 

 vial soils, for d few years, and then almort entirely fail. As a general 

 rule, then, wo would say, select a surface soil of black loam and clay, 

 or clayey subsoil, which should be thoroughly underdrained, either 

 naturally or artificially ; and what wo would be understood by thor- 

 ough underdraining is, in case the subsoil is very tenacious, the drains 

 should not be less than three feet deep, perhaps three and a half would 

 be better, and at such distances that the water shall find easy access to 

 the drains ; for so sure as the roots of pear trees come in contact with 

 stagnant water, just so sure is it death to the tree. A safe rule would 

 be to make a few excavations in different parts of the field, to the depth 

 of three and a half feet after underdraining and before trans- 

 planting. Carefully notice the rise and fall of water in the pits 

 after heavy rains, and in case the water leaves the pits in a day or so, 

 we conclude that pears may be put out with safety. 



As it regards aspect, various views are entertained ; many prefer a 

 northern exposure, believing that they avoid the danger of late or 

 Spring frosts injuring the blossoms ; others choosing a southern, or 

 south-western exposure. Our own opinion is, as far north as Worces- 

 ter County, the field should have a southern slope, and protected from 

 the north and north-west winds by buildings, or other trees. To shel- 

 ter an orchard from prevailing winds, is often of more consequence 

 than the aspect ; for pear trees, when laden with fruit, will suffer 

 more from heavy storms of wind than from late frosts. Hence, if no 

 natural protection exists it is well to plant evergreens that are of rapid 

 growth, such as pines, or Norway spruce, to guard that part of the or- 

 chard where protection is most needed. Perhaps a more economical 

 way would be to transplant three rows of peach trees, the first row the 

 same year the pears are put out, the others a year or two afterward. 

 As peach trees are comparatively shostlived, after the first row has done 

 its work, new ones might take their places, and thus a new row trans- 

 planted as often as needed ; thus always giving protection to the pear 

 orchard by peach trees that would always pay the expense. 



Varieties. It is well known to those even that have had only small 

 experience, that the pear is capricious ; this year it will, next, it wont, 

 the .same variety in the same soil. That a Flemish Beauty, or a Seckel 



