392 
WISCONSIN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
The earth should generally be thrown towards the trees; but 
occasionally it may be thrown from them, so as to keep the 
ground nearly level. 
Stock of no kind should be allowed to run in an orchard. I 
once knew a fine orchard ruined by fattening hogs in it, and 
have had my own very much injured by calves barking the 
trees. Hence the safest policy is to allow nothing to run in it, 
at least while the trees are small. 
I am an advocate of a small number of varieties, for I can see 
no benefit in raising a great many kinds merely for the sake of 
variety, when most of them are entirely unsuited to the cli¬ 
mate, and in many instances, entirely useless. It is much 
better to have the ground occupied by a few good varieties 
suited to the climate. One good apple is worth two poor ones 
any time. Respectfully yours, 
PETER PARKINSON, Sr. 
