410 
STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
Did space permit, we would here introduce the proof of our po¬ 
sition ; but we can only say that the result of an impartial and 
careful examination of a large number of bearing orchards in 
different parts of the State, and in a great variety of soils, 
locations and aspects, fully establishes the fact, in our mind, 
that by far the larger portion of the healthy bearing orchards 
found in this State, are upon the bleak hill tops or cool aspects. 
Therefore, while we have an almost uniform succession of rid¬ 
ges and bluffs through the greater part of our noble State, it 
only remains for fruit-growers to demonstrate the complete 
adaptation of these elevations to the successful growing of the 
most valuable fruits. 
In immediate connection with location, is the matter of 
Thorough Drainage; which is absolutely necessary to success, 
and, in the way of preparation of the orchard grounds, is 
usually the first want, but the last to be supplied. 
Subsoiling and under-draining after the most approved 
method, would undoubtedly be economy in the end; but as not 
within reach of every farmer who desires a good orchard, we 
propose the next best mode. 
Let the' ground be staked out as intended for the rows of 
apple or other trees, into lands twenty to thirty feet wide; strike 
out with the plow so that the middle or dead-furrow will come 
where the row is intended to be; plow as deep as possible, 
especially in the last few furrows, which can, by repetition, be 
plowed beam deep; then reverse the process, and by repeated 
plowings raise a ridge of any desired bight over the first dead 
furrow, giving one or two feet of loose soil to plant the tree 
on; the greater depth for heavy soils, especially if low. 
We have seen this plan pursued on stiff clay land in Ohio, 
with the best of results. The finest vineyard of Isabella grapes 
we ever saw, was on gravel loam prepared in this manner. 
If this ridging is performed before the trees are set, there is 
less danger of after-ridging, or banking the crown, to its injury, 
as is often done with trees set on the ground level. Small 
garden lots should be prepared by double spading or trenching. 
Form of Trees has been and is still a matter of convenience 
