228 THE ORCHARD. [March. 
several weeks, the roots of polyanthus-narcissuses, hyacinths, and 
other bulbs, growing in bulb-glasses, filled with a much stronger 
solution of the corrosive sublimate than that prescribed in page 
141, and apparently in more health and vigour than those which 
are growing in pure water; I have also washed the leaves, stems, 
branches, and various kinds of tender plants with it, and poured 
it on the earth about their roots in large quantities, without any 
other effect than the destruction of the earth worms, and those 
which annoyed the plants. 
Be very cautious not to leave any of the corrosive sublimate, or 
solution, in a careless manner in or about the house, for, with respect 
to animal life, it is a very active poison; so powerful that when 
administered medicinally, the quarter of a grain, being the two 
hundred and fortieth part of a drachm, is considered a sufficient 
dose for an adult person. 
Extent, Aspect, Situation, and Soil. 
The extent of an orchard should be in proportion to the quantity 
of fruit required either for family use, distillation, cider, &c. or for 
public supply; and may be from half an acre to a hundred acres, 
or more. 
As to aspect, that is not of as much importance as some people 
imagine, especially for apple, pear, and other hardy fruit trees; for 
you will find these growing and bearing fruit in the greatest perfec- 
tion in every aspect where the soil is suitable, and proper care 
taken of the trees; but the more tender and early flowering fruits, 
such as peaches and nectarines, &c. will require to be planted 
where they may have protection from the cold north and north- 
westerly winds; which, when accompanied by frost, often do con- 
siderable injury to their early bloom; and likewise, it will be 
necessary to give a warm exposure, especially in the eastern and 
middle states, to late ripening kinds, such as the heath-peach, &c. 
in order to bring their fruit to maturity in due season. 
In the southern states a north aspect will be the most eligible for 
apple trees, and perhaps for several other kinds. 
With respect to situation very thriving orchards are frequently 
found on high and low grounds, on declivities and plains, in various 
aspects and exposures; but this is in consequence of the natural 
soil being good; you should, however, avoid very low damp situa- 
tions, particularly such as lodge water; for in very wet soils, no 
fruit trees will prosper, nor will the fruit poduced in such places 
be good; but a moderately low situation, free from wet, may be 
more eligible than an elevated ground, as being less exposed to 
tempestuous winds; but if having a gentle declivity the more de- 
sirable. 
A proper soil being the grand and essential requisite, should be 
carefully selected, for on this depends much of your success; a 
good deep sandy loam, neither too dry nor wet, is the most suita- 
ble for all kinds of fruit trees, and whether this be on high or low 
situations it should be preferred to every other. In the heaviest 
