33 



is surely equally so for a work which, when completed, 

 is expected to endure for so many years ; which is so 

 expensive in the outset, and which is capable of yield- 

 ing so much profit if crowned with success. 



We understand that, in the Worcester orchards, 

 whatever drainage has taken place previously to estab- 

 lishing an orchard, is in general what has been carried 

 out in the usual course of tillage : on which lands, 

 and but seldom on grass or leys, orchards are estab- 

 lished. 



The first great matter at the outset, then, is tho- 

 rough drainage ; for, although the apple affects a 

 sound and rather adhesive loam, such must be on a 

 very sound and somewhat dry bottom. A loam of 

 this character, three feet in depth, on a dry and per- 

 vious bed of gravel, would be perfection itself, as re- 

 gards the apple : such, however, can be seldom ob- 

 tained. 



About the various modes of thorough draining, we 

 can say little here ; but merely add, that no system 

 of open surface-gutters should be relied on : such 

 may serve a temporary purpose, but in sour or over- 

 retentive soils, something more is needed. 



If the substratum is of a cold and barren character, 

 means should be taken to prevent the trees forming 

 tap-roots, and descending into this infertile medium. 

 Any hard and imperishable material will suffice ; and 

 the surface of this should rise a few inches above the 



D 



