28 
certain species; as also narrate facts of importance that have 
presented themselves to me during a long course of practice. 
Situation and Soil of an orchard or fruit garden. First, 
the hill-top is too bleak, and the valley too damp. Hoar frost, 
which is soon dispersed, or with difficulty accumulated, on the 
higher grounds, is mischievous to the tender blossoms on the 
low. Hence it follows, that gentle slopes, at moderate elevations, 
are the most eligible. As regards Aspect, I prefer a trifling 
inclination to the west, on the principle of slow thawing after 
frost; by which, without doubt, its effects are greatly mitigated. 
Sloping ground also facilitates Draining, which sometimes is 
of much importance. 
The Shelter of a range of hills is, of course, considerable ; 
nevertheless proximity of shelter is of no mean value; such as 
the dense plantation, that intercepts the blast of the north, 
north-east, and north-west. If such shelter do not already 
exist, no time should be lost in establishing it. To which end 
the selection of quick-growing trees, thorough draining the 
site, and manuiing, if necessary, should each of them have due 
attention. 
The Soil for the majority of fruit trees should be a sound, 
unctuous, rather frialile loam; exceptions there are, which I will 
duly notice. Should, however, the intended site possess either 
an inclination to clay or peat, or to a weak sandy loam, these 
should be ameliorated. A free sandy loam being suitable, 
if it be deep, to the vegetables of a kitchen garden, it would be 
easier, and more economical, to form stations for all fruit trees, 
than to undertake improving or rather altering the staple of the 
whole. The subject of “Stations” will be thoroughly dis- 
cussed under that head, in its place. I may, however, observe, 
that marl, the scouring of ditches from clay soil, or even pond- 
mud, are all excellent improvers of such soil ; more especially 
with regard to its adaptability to fruit trees. Stubborn 
Clays are somewbat expensive to correct, and they are not, if 
thoroughly drained, very unsuitable to some of the commoner 
fruits, provided the trees are planted high. The “Platform” 
mode of planting should be adopted ; abundant roratiou, or ex- 
posure of such soils to the action of the atmosphere, with sub- 
sequent liberal dressings of sand, lime-rubbish, or ashes, which 
will ultimately alter their consistence. 
