32 FRUIT FARMING 



In forming Orchards, the several distances that trees 

 are planted will be found in the foregoing table. 

 Orchards are best in square fields, as long narrow 

 plots of Cherries are difficult to tend to keep off 

 birds. If Cherries are selected, the distance being 

 great, the intermediate space may be filled either with 

 the early fruiting Apples and Pears of moderate or 

 upright growth, or Plums and Damsons, which can 

 be removed when the Cherries require the space. 

 Cherries are best on grass land. The same remark as 

 to distance holds good as regards the larger growing 

 Apples and Pears ; and there is one matter to which 

 particular attention is called, viz., the very different 

 rate at which trees progress. Unless this is borne in 

 mind at planting, some parts of the orchard will be 

 over-crowded, and others will be too thin. If an 

 entire Apple or Pear orchard is required, the rows 

 should be alternated. Some are widely spreading 

 trees, others take a conical form : thus, if a row of a 

 kind be planted, the orchard presents that even and 

 regular appearance which allows the sun full play. 

 To assist planters, the growth of each kind is stated 

 in the lists of varieties. Experience further teaches 

 us that large blocks of one kind do not fruit freolv, 

 because cross fertilization with another kind is 

 absolutely essential to fertility. 



Strawberries are planted with a dibble, a flat one 

 being preferable ; they must he well closed at the 

 base of the roots, or they are liable to be lifted bv 

 frost. March is considered the best month to do the 

 work, but the plants must be ordered, as most growors 

 clean off' their Strawberry lands and kill all ilio youn^ 

 plants as soon as the fruit is gathered, and they may 



