STATE POMOLOGrCAL SOCIETY. 137 



healthy, vig-orous and productive trees and orcliards where the 

 ground had been artificially prepared. On the other hand, we 

 find thousands of trees in artificially prepared ground, as also in 

 nature's broad domain, which are anything but inviting or produc- 

 tive. Between these extremes the problem at the head of ray 

 essay is to be solved. 



The complexion of soils and location of orchards vary so much 

 without any preparation at the hand of man, that it will account 

 in a large degree for such varied results. With the existence of 

 all these differences, there are comparatively few locations that 

 may not be put in condition to produce some kinds of fruit. A 

 soil that contains the elements necessary for growth of both wood 

 and fruit, is sufficiently porous, or has natural drainage, and is 

 .amply protected by forests or timber belts, will require no prepar- 

 ation except such plowing and pulverization as is necessary for an 

 ordinary farm crop. A soil that is sufficiently fertile but too com- 

 pact, will require thorough plowing and pulverization, and a coat 

 of lime or other material mixed with it that will make it friable and 

 mellow. 



There are soils containing all the necessary elements of fertility, 

 but so tenacious and retentive of water that nothing short of 

 thorough underdraining and getting it into a friable condition will 

 put in good order to receive an orchard. Where a soil is disposed 

 to be wet, and is not too tenacious nor too level, it may be put in 

 fair condition by plowing it in ridges at proper distances, and 

 planting the trees thereon. This may be economical, but it is not 

 equal to underdraining. Some soils, such as sand, sandy loam, 

 and gravel, are porous and sufficiently dry, but often lack the ele- 

 ments of fertility. Such should be put in a fertile condition first, 

 after which it will be comparatively easy to get it in order for the 

 planting of trees. 



There is a kind of slate land in certain sections of the country, 

 which has proven to be pre-eminently adapted to fruit culture, 

 provided it is well prepared, which cannot be done without 

 thorough plowing and sub-soiling, or trenching. * * This kind 

 of soil is generally rich in the mineral elements necessary to grow 

 fruit, but lacks humus or vegetable matter ; consequently, when 

 the latter is added to the said preparation of the soil it is, in my 

 opinion, equal to any for the purpose of fruit culture. Fruit gi'own 

 on such soil is invariably high colored. We find some of the best 

 apple orchards on rather heavy limestone soil, but very often have 



