COMMUNICATIONS—EXPERIENCE IN ORCHARDING. 389 
dered 500 more trees. In this trial the land was only slightly 
inclined to the south; the soil was black, prairie loam, just at 
the edge of the timber, exposed on the west, north and east to 
heavy storms and winds, but sheltered on the south side. 
The land was plowed thoroughly about nine inches deep, and 
harrowed until it was in good condition for any kind of small 
grain. The holes were then dug nine inches deep and about 
three feet in diameter, the trees put in carefully, with all the 
bruised portions of the roots trimmed off and the remainder 
carefully spread out in their natural position, then the tree was 
pressed down, until it rested firmly on the bottom of the hole, 
the dirt filled in and slightly compressed to a level with the 
surrounding surface. Immediately after setting these trees I 
mulched them well with coarse stable manure. This I con¬ 
sider of great importance for the preservation and growth of 
the trees ; preventing injury from drouth the first season after 
setting, and excessive freezing in the severe winters of this cli¬ 
mate, and also the premature starting of the sap in the spring 
—three of the greatest calamities that befall apple trees in this 
country. 
In this test I did no pruning whatever, and my trees, in 
thrift and small per cent, of loss surpassed my most sanguine 
expectations. The common remark of all acquainted with the 
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orchard from its setting until the present time is, that “it has 
done the best of any orchard they have seen in this coun¬ 
try.” It is now a fine bearing orchard of ten years old. 
Being satisfied with these results, I have continued since to 
set trees upon the same method, and with similar satisfactory 
results. 
These tests made by myself and many of my neighbors, all 
resulting satisfactorily, have fully established in my mind the 
following conclusions: 
1st. That the proper situation for an orchard is on a 
high southern exposure, as the atmosphere in such a location 
is more mild and congenial, and thereby conducive to the more 
rapid and healthy growth of the trees. Our climate is too se¬ 
vere for the successful growing of apple trees, and hence we 
want to select our warmest locations for this purpose. 
