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already directed for the espalier-trees; and in pruning their heads, little more is necessary than to 
cut out such branches as are ill placed, or that cross each other; for I do not approve the heading 
of them down, as is by some often practised to the loss of many of their trees. 
The distance which these trees should be planted, where the soil is good, must be fifty or sixty 
feet; and where the soil is not so good, forty feet may be sufficient; but nothing can be of worse 
consequence than the crowding trees too close together in orchards. And although there may be 
some who may imagine this distance too great, yet I am sure, when they have thoroughly considered 
the advantages attending this practice, they will agree with me. Nor is it my own opinion in this 
affair, for in many of the old writers on this subject, there is often mention made of the necessity for 
allowing a proper distance to the fruit-trees in orchards, particularly Austen upon planting, before 
quoted, who says, “ He should choose to prescribe the planting these trees fourteen or sixteen yards 
asunder; for both trees and fruits have many great advantages if planted a good distance one from 
another" One advantage he mentions is, “ The sun refreshes every tree, the roots, body, and 
branches, with the blossoms and fruits; whereby trees bring forth more fruit, and those fairer and 
better." Another advantage he mentions is, “ That when trees are planted at a large distance, 
much profit may be made of the ground under and about these trees, by cultivating garden-stuff, 
commodious as well for sale as housekeeping; as also Gooseberries, Raspberries, Currants, and 
Strawberries, may be there planted." Again he says, <£ When trees have room to spread, they will 
grow very large and great; and the consequences of that will be, not only multitudes of fruits, but 
also long lasting, and these two are no small advantages." For, says he, men are mistaken, when 
they say, “the more trees in an orchard, the more fruits; for one or two large trees which have 
room to spread, will bear more fruits than six or ten (it may be) of those that grow near together, 
and crowd one another." Again he says, “ Let men but observe, and take notice of some Apple- 
trees, that grow a great distance from other trees, and have room enough to spread both their roots 
and branches, and they shall see, that one of those trees (being come to full growth) hath a larger 
head, and more boughs and branches, than (it may be) four, or six, or more, of those which grow 
near together, although of the same age." 
And Mr. Lawson, an ancient planter, advises to plant Apple-trees twenty yards asunder. As 
the two authors above quoted have written the best upon this subject, and seem to have had more 
experience than any of the writers I have yet seen, I have made use of them as authorities to con¬ 
firm what I have advanced; though the fact is so obvious to every person who will make the least 
reflection, that there needs no proof. 
When the trees are planted, they should be staked, to prevent their being shaken, or blown out 
of the ground by strong winds; but in doing this, there should be particular care taken, to put either 
straw, haybands, or woollen cloth, between the trees and the stakes, to prevent the trees from being 
rubbed and bruised, by the shaking against the stakes, for if their bark should be rubbed off, it will 
occasion such great wounds, as not to be healed over in several years, if they ever recover it. 
If the winter should prove very severe, it will be proper to cover the surface of the ground about 
their roots with some mulch, to prevent the frost from penetrating the ground, which will destroy the 
young fibres; but this mulch should not be laid on too soon, as has been before mentioned, lest the 
moisture should be prevented from soaking down to the roots of the trees, nor should it lie on too 
long in the spring for the same reason; but where persons will be at the trouble to lay it on in frosty 
weather, and remove it again after the frost is over, that the wet in February may have free access 
to the roots of the trees, it will do good; and if March should prove dry, with sharp north or east 
winds, which often happens, it will be proper to cover the ground again with the mulch, to prevent 
the winds from penetrating and drying the ground, and will be of singular service to the trees. But 
