54 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



careless and slovenly methods. Undoubtedly it is beneficial 

 to a certain extent, and many old orchards have been reinvig- 

 orated and made to live longer and to bear more fruit, but 

 too much reliance is generally placed upon this method. No 

 matter how large the orchard, or how much worn out the land- 

 may be, a few sheep are turned in annually, and they are ex- 

 pected or supposed to do the whole work of renovation. At 

 least, I should suppose so from the condition of several which 

 I have observed during the past 3^ear or two. They are sup- 

 posed to do all the pruning and mulching, and replenishing 

 of fertilizers. One of the most famous old orchards in Ken- 

 nebec county, which I passed recently, ^yas in a terribly 

 shameful condition, because the poor sheep did not do their 

 whole duty, or supposed duty. I think that under certain 

 circumstances, sheep-grazing may be made to be one of the 

 most economical and prolitable methods ; but, as in the case 

 of top-dressing, the land will need to be plowed and re-seeded 

 once in awhile, as also an occasional extra aj)plication of 

 manure, ashes and lime, in order to furnish an abundant crop 

 of rich and sweet grass for the sheep. I have known orchards 

 to be brought to and made to 1)ear heavy crops, by turning in 

 swine, but it is not a very cleanly oi- pleasant method. 



Plowing old Orchards as a means of Renovation. 

 This is the last method that will be considered in this paper 

 — already too long — and I am beginning to think that it is, 

 par excellence, the best method. And why? Because by 

 constantly stirring the soil it is brought into that perfectly 

 healthy state whereby its proper food being received, is more 

 rapidly digested and assimilated. Moreover, it is more sub- 

 ject and sensitive to all atmospheric influences, and to the 

 genial warmth of the sun, and more readily absorbs and re- 

 tains moisture. Consequently, the roots and fibres of the 

 trees extend out farther and down deeper, drawing nourish- 

 ment from sources unattainable by other methods. But a 

 great deal depends upon how the land is plowed, and when it 

 is plowed. I would not trust a green hand ; either employ 



