30 THE MODERN PEACH PRUNER. 



earth has been well warmed by the sun. Charred 

 earth soaked in manure water is highly stimulating, 

 but should be carefully used. 



Although the list of manures is long, many 

 Peach -growers are of opinion that such as are of 

 slow decomposition ( as old woollen materials) are 

 the best ; at any rate, vegetable manures are of 

 much value, and are too often neglected. These, 

 well applied, should not be buried too deep, other- 

 wise fermentation is hindered. Wood ashes offer 

 much that is valuable. The ashes of all vegetable 

 substances contain lime, phosphoric acid, and alka- 

 line salts. There is usually a little charcoal or 

 carbon left which is most valuable. These ashes 

 should be applied when newly burned. The effects 

 of manures, however, much depend on the quality 

 of the soil to which they are applied, and on its 

 state at the time of application. Manures should 

 be thoroughly incorporated with the soil. 



In the case of orchard-houses a well-drained 

 locality is absolutely indispensable. Many failures 

 occur from neglecting to examine into the nature 

 of the subsoil on which the building is to stand. 

 Mr. Rivers has so often insisted on this point that 

 it is surprising it is not better understood. Any 

 situation almost is preferable to a cold ill-drained 

 one. It must be evident that no Peach-blossoms 

 can set in such houses, shut up as they may also 



