THE ORCHARD. 



325 



The Hawthorndean, and Keswick Cod! in 

 Apples, with many other good sorts, are very 

 suitable for the purpose described. After 

 the trees are planted, let them be mulched, 

 watered, and secured by stakes and hay 

 bands, to prevent their being loosened by 

 the wind. Nothing whatever ought to be 

 cultivated in the ground as far as the roots 

 of the trees extend; but during summer, let 

 it be kept clean hoed to destroy all weeds. 



In respect to pruning of Orchard trees, it 

 is not possible to lay down directions that 

 will apply to all kinds, as done to wall trees. 

 But a few general observations may be given 

 which if attended to will be highly beneficial. 

 It is indispensibly necessary to keep all the 

 branches so far apart that they may not rub 

 against each other. The bearing shoots 

 ought to be several inches apart. As many 

 kinds of trees grow in a form peculiar to 

 themselves, such as grow in a conical form 

 must be kept so, and have the branches pro- 

 perly regulated, but such as do not must be 

 attended to so as to bring them as much as 

 possible to that form. Trees pruned and 

 regulated after this manner are never so 

 confused as otherwise is generally the case, 

 and by the branches being horizontal, the 

 trees are more fruitful. 



The forming of the head of a tree must 

 be commenced the first spring after being 

 planted, by retaining a proper supply of 



