FRUIT-TREE BORDERS, 15$ 



and figs, is, three fourths hale, lightish earth, and 

 one-fourth strong loam ; being properly composed, 

 and moderately enriched with cow-dung, or a mix- 

 ture of cow and hog dung, or of cow and stable 

 dung ; avoiding the latter, however, if the t%x> for- 

 mer can be obtained, for the cooler dungs answer 

 best for fruit-trees. The average depth of the bor- 

 ders for these kinds should be thirty inches. 



Peaches, pears, and plums, require a stronger body 

 of earth. A very fit soil for them, is, three-fourths 

 loam, and one-fourth sandy earth ; being well mix- 

 ed, and moderately enriched, as above. The depth 

 for peaches and nectarines may be thirty inches, as 

 above ; but for pears and plums, it should not be 

 less than three feet on the average ; that is, two 

 feet nine inches at the walk, and three feet three 

 inches at the wall, or thereby. 



Although I have here classed the above fruits, 

 and specified two distinct and particular soils for 

 them, yet, generally speaking, they will all thrive 

 in hale, loamy earth, of a middling texture. But, 

 if it be necessary to prepare a bed or floor for the 

 roots of the trees, as above directed, it will rarely 

 happen that it will not also be necessary to add 

 depth to the borders, and a quantity of fresh earth ; 

 in doing of which, such compositions as the above 

 may be imitated, or, in better judgment, may be 

 improved. The compost, however, of whatever 

 sort, should be duly prepared before planting the 

 tree^s, and should be rendered, by frequently trench- 

 ing and turning it, perfectly homogeneous. 



