18 FRUIT GARDEN COMPANION. 



ing of the ground and location to be planted, which 

 by many persons is considered a subject not worth 

 consideration ; when on the contrary on it depends 

 the principal chance of success, — for if the soil and 

 location are not well chosen the best efforts of culture 

 will, in a measure be defeated, and the produce un- 

 satisfactory ; hence in many an idea prevails, that it 

 is impossible to bring the desired kinds of fruit into 

 a healthy growth and bearing ; when the deficiency 

 is wholly in placing it in an inappropriate situation. 

 The most common error of this kind, may be seen 

 in the apple-orchard ; and, although the J fact is ap- 

 parent to any intelligent observer, no exertion is 

 taken to counteract it by many persons who are en- 

 gaged in planting orchards at the present time. The 

 apple tree flourishes well in almost all parts of the 

 Northern States, when planted in a sheltered situa- 

 tion, on the base of small hills and alluvials in w 7 ell 

 sheltered valleys, &c. — especially if the soil is of a 

 rich mellow loamy nature, which is often to be 

 found in such locations. The contrary location is 

 that of unsheltered hills of a poor, gravelly nature, 

 where the chilly northern winds have their effect on 

 the trees. It seldom happens that trees so located 

 either flourish or bear good crops of fruit ; the trees, 

 both body and branches, are, in such situations 

 blown all on one side, the limbs stunted and the 

 bark covered with moss, the true indication of pov- 

 erty and stagnation. The fruit of the former is 

 mostly of a fine quality, good flavor and produce : 

 the latter small, w T ormy, and of a meagre flavor and 

 produce. The pear thrives well on stiff clayey 

 soils, in a well sheltered situation. The plum is 

 more local in its nature, than either the apple or 



