216 THE PEACH AND NECTARINE. 



proportion of suoli furnish excellent aspects aad positions for the cultiva- 

 tion of peaches and nectarines. 



It is a singular fact that where there is least ground or wall there is 

 not seldom to be found the most prodigal waste of "both. As a rule 

 every inch of large gardens is utilised. The same can hardly be said of 

 small gardens in general. A majority of the possessors of small gardens 

 seem to take it for granted that they cannot grow peaches. This is quite 

 a mistake. " Where there's a wiH there's a way," and the amateur who 

 determines to try peach growing will seldom be baffled for lack of a suit- 

 able place for the purpose. Maiden trees are also cheap and plentiful ; 

 and the object of this manual is to render the details of culture simple 

 and easy. The chief points in regard to the planting of peaches will be 

 included under time, site, soil, and method of planting. 



/. — Time. 



The best time for planting peach trees is the month of November. 

 That, in fact, is by far the most suitable time for the planting of all 

 deciduous trees and shrubs. The air, the earth, the plant, then seem in 

 the best possible condition for the formation of new roots, and the 

 rapid multiplication of old ones. The air is generally moist, the earth 

 moderately warm, and the plant in an unusual state of root forming 

 excitement in November. Open, moist, mild weather should be chosen 

 for the purpose. Erost and cold dry winds are almost death to roots. 

 It is wholly unnatural to expose them to the air, and hence their 

 suffering in consequence. Even the hardiest . trees will not bear 

 frost on their roots, and, as a matter of fact, no trees in a 

 state of nature can have their roots much or at all frozen. Nature 

 never transplants her trees, consequently cannot expose the roots 

 to the direct action of biting winds or actual frosts. And cultivators 

 should be especially careful to avoid both. 



II.— Site. 



The question of site is much influenced by local climate and geogra- 

 phical position. In the southern portions of Britain, for example, the 

 range of site is greatly extended. Peaches will thrive in eastern or wes- 

 tern aspects as well, and sometimes better, than on southern ones. They 

 may even ripen on walls with several points to the north. Whereas in the 



