35 



the trees would stand upon the crown of a ridge, which 

 should extend at least three feet on each side the tree, 

 in the earlier stages of growth : this course will leave 

 a deepened alley on each side, which, if the soil be 

 sound and somewhat adhesive, will prove beneficial. 

 This alley should retreat (if we may use the term) at 

 frequent intervals, and of course drive away the plough 

 or spade in a progressive way. If the orchard became 

 very thriving, nearly a foot a year might be added to 

 the exterior of the ridge ; at least, after being planted 

 about six or seven years. One thing we would insist 

 on, and that is, that the three feet originally appro- 

 priated to the tree should not be cropped; or, if cropped 

 at all, we would limit it to such crops as do not re- 

 quire the earth to be stirred above three inches in 

 depth. It would be far better to lay it down in grass 

 than to disturb the surface-roots any deeper. We are, 

 however, informed by good authority, that young 

 orchards under the farmer's care generally thrive 

 better when kept broken, than in a rest state; at least, 

 in the early stages. 



By such a course, the apple might ultimately be 

 made to " shake hands," as it is technically termed, 

 of green crops all over the field ; and in the end, one 

 broad and deep excavation would be left between the 

 centre of the rows, all through the orchard, which 

 would serve as drainage and for passage. 



With regard to laying the land down in grass be- 

 d 2 



