802 



GARDENING FOR THE SOUTH. 



out which a garden is more annoyance than pleasure; 

 freedom in its aspect from a full southern or eastern expo- 

 sure, that the sun's rays may not strike the trees when the 

 frost is upon them ; thorough drainage to carry oS sur- 

 plus moisture before it stagnates, and a soil of medium 

 texture and good quality, of groat depth, naturally, or 

 made so by subsoiling or trenching. Over rich soil is not 

 desirable— especially if made so by animal manures ; but it 

 must be of at least good quality, and above all deep. Trees 

 can neither make growth nor swell their fruit (drawing so 

 largely as they do in both cases, of moisture from the 

 soil), during our protracted droughts, unless the soil is 

 deeply trenched. In a soil two or three feet in depth 

 they will hold their fruit, maintain the deep, healthy green 

 of their foliage and continue their growth in our most try- 

 ing seasons. It is much less expense to prepare tlio 

 ground thoroughly before the trees are planted. While 

 the trees are young, sufficient manure from time to time can 

 be applied to keep the soil in good condition, and almost 

 any low growing Jwed crop can be raised among them. 

 Corn is very objectionable, as it shades and nearly starves 

 the young trees. It is necessary to keep the soil well 

 cultivated to ensure rapid growth. After the trees are 

 well grown, it is better to give them the Avhole ground and 

 turn in, daily, during the fruit season, poultry or swine to 

 devour the fallen fruit and to destroy insects. The whole 

 orchard should receive a shallow plowing every autumn, 

 and may be sown with barley, to keep the soil from wash- 

 ing during winter. This must on no account be allowed 

 to ripen, but be fed off by swine or turned into the soil as 

 green manure, in the spring. A good winter vetch would 

 be very desirable for this purpose, as legumes draw most 

 of their food from the air, while barley is nourished mostly 

 from the soil, to the greater detriment of the trees. 



