45 



soil be well drained. The subsoil should be open, preferably 

 with a layer of gravel 2 or 3 feet down, underlaid with a 

 more compact soil that will retain moisture. If these con- 

 ditions prevail, the character of the surface soil is of less im- 

 portance. It may be of medium clay to decidedly sandy. 

 Peaches prefer a more fertile soil than apples, but may do 

 well on soils too poor for first-class production of field or 

 garden crops. 



Slope. 

 Peaches do well on lands sloping in any direction, but it 

 would seem that northerly slopes ought to be a little better 

 in Massachusetts as there will be less tendency for the buds 

 to start during winter thaws. A gentle slope falling off sharply 

 below the orchard and without great expanse of sloping land 

 above ought to be ideal. 



Trees. 

 One-year-old trees are the rule and the medium sizes are 

 generally to be preferred, but the planting and care of the 

 trees is of more importance than any small differences in the 

 stock. One should not plant trees if the bark is shriveled or 

 if they are badly infested with San Jos6 scale or crown gall. 

 Large well-branched root systems are important. 



Varieties. 



The number of varieties of peaches is legion, yet those that 

 have found favor with any considerable number of com- 

 mercial growers in the State are few. The following are dis- 

 cussed in approximately the order of ripening : — 



Greensboro is the hardiest in bud of the common varieties, ^ 

 and is adapted to as wide a range of soil conditions as any. 

 The quality is not especially good, yet coming among the 

 first it is acceptable. In the market it competes with later 

 varieties from the south and is sometimes less profitable on 

 that account. It is susceptible to scab which is easily con- 

 trolled by spraying. 



Carmen is in higher favor than Greensboro, being ten days 

 to two weeks later and of better quality. While less hardy in 

 bud than Greensboro, it is hardier than most of the yellow- 



