ON THE PLANTING OF ORCHARDS. 
7 
ranunculuses require but little attention now till planting time, 
except looking over them occasionally^ to see that no mildew 
gets on them. The beds may be occasionally raked over to get 
rid of weeds, moss, &c., and if wireworms are in the ground, it 
would be desirable (as I have done) to put some sliced potatoes 
in them so as to entrap the insects before planting time. I may 
perhaps (if you wish it) send you a few observations with regard 
to planting in time for your February Number; and remain, Sir, 
your obedient servant, 
H. H. D. 
Bray, Ireland, Nov. 1844, 
Horticultural Essays, 
By the Members of the Regent's Park Gardeners' Society. 
ON THE PREPARATION AND PLANTING OF 
ORCHARDS. 
By Mr. E. Brag. 
Orchards are portions of ground appropriated to the growth 
of fruit trees only. When made on an extensive scale, they 
generally contain apple, pear, plum, and cherry trees; but a 
complete orchard should contain besides, quinces, medlars, 
mulberries, services, filberts, Spanish nuts, and barberries; also 
walnuts and chestnuts, the two latter are well adapted to afford 
shelter to the rest, and for that purpose should be planted 
around the boundary, at the most exposed places. 
The situation which is selected for an orchard should be 
rather elevated than otherwise, on a gentle declivity, and open 
to the south and south-east, to give free admission to the sun, 
and to promote a circulation of air, which will dry up damps 
and disperse fogs, and by this means induce healthiness in the 
trees, and a high flavour in the fruit. It should, however, be 
well sheltered from the north and westerly winds, and if not 
naturally so by the surface of the ground, it must be rendered 
so by plantations, for which purpose the chestnut and walnut 
trees already referred to will be well adapted. In very ex- 
b 4 
