390 
STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
soil will require a large annual supply of vegetable manure. 
As soon as the branches of the trees begin to interlock, all 
danger of overgrowth is past, and the amount of manure may 
be varied somewhat according to the means of supply, especially 
when we remember the propensity of men to pasture or mow 
the orchard. 
What I have said of the cultivation and preparation of 
ground, will be found equally applicable to the cultivation of 
the smaller fruits, including the pie plant. They can scarcely 
receive too much manure for their successful cultivation. I 
should be glad to say more of these too much neglected fruits, 
yet am admonished that I must leave them, with the expres¬ 
sion, that no portion of the farm will pay so w r ell for the labor 
bestowed as will these fruits, small as individuals, but large 
in the aggregate. 
I shall call attention to but one more mineral, which cherries, 
plums and peaches require in considerable quantities, and 
apples somewhat; that is a supply of iron. This mineral is 
necessary for the production of the kernel of the fruit. Its 
supply is readily obtained by placing pieces of scrap iron in 
the surface soil, or by emptying the mud from the grind-stone 
box near the trees; and if copperas (sulphate of iron) be used, 
with the bones and ashes before spoken of, that will make the 
necessary supply. The amount required is very small, and 
most soils already contain about enough. 
The best natural locations I know of for the apple are the 
rugged Baraboo Bluffs and the Blue Mounds. Then follow, 
those places having the same geological formations and soil, as 
nearly as may be; and next the gravel ridges and hills lying 
east of them. And I am certain that the day will come, when 
the orchards upon these localities, which are now overlooked, 
and left untouched and unproductive, will yield a supply of 
apples almost fabulous for their amount. Apple trees can find 
the way for their roots among the rocks of these regions as 
well as the native white oaks have done in former days. 
I would impress upon every one the importance of avoiding 
the low land and warm sunny aspects, for the large fruits; choose, 
