CROPS AND PROFITS. 141 



and phosphates. I removed all trees in a dying con- 

 dition, of which there were at least twenty per cent, 

 of the gross number ; I pruned away all dead limbs, 

 all interlacing boughs, and swamps of shoots from 

 the roots. The mosses, cocoons, and scales of old 

 bark were carefully scraped from the trunks and 

 larger limbs, which were then washed thoroughly 

 with a strong solution of potash. Even at this stage 

 of the proceedings, I felt almost repaid by the air of 

 neatness and cleanliness which the old orchard Avore ; 

 and I am sorry to say that in regard to very many 

 of the trees, it was all the repayment I have ever 

 received. 



Among the apple trees was a large number of 

 that old favorite, the Newtown pippin ; and these, 

 I am sorry to say, were the most mossy and dilapi- 

 dated of all ; nor did they improve. No scrapings 

 or prunings tempted them to any luxuriance of 

 growth. One by one they have been cut away, until 

 now only two remain. The nurserymen tell us that 

 the tree is not adapted to the soil and climate of 

 New England. I can confirm their testimony with 

 unction. 



There was, also, a stalwart company of trees 

 bearing that delightful little dessert fruit the Lady 

 apple. And I think my pains added somewhat to 

 their thrift ; they are sturdy, and full of leaves every 



