438 
Wisconsin State Agricultural Society. 
planted in 1860. Trees are looking finely, healthy, and vigorous, 
and produced, in 1875, 400 bushels of fruit. This orchard is on the 
crown of the hill—on the northwestern summit of one of the high- 
% 
est bluffs in that part of the State—not less than one hundred feet 
above the railroad, at its highest point or summit. This is a good 
white-and-black-oak soil; has no sort of protection or wind-break 
from any quarter. 
I found a small orchard similarly situated in the town of Wind¬ 
sor, Dane county, on the highest prairie in that township, and its 
success as marked. Another orchard of four hundred trees on the 
exposed top of the highest prairie-bluff in the east part of the town 
—planted in 1862—is known as the most healthy and fruitful-bear¬ 
ing orchard of Dane county, and are marked exceptions of the gen¬ 
eral failure of the orchards of the vicinity. These cases are cited 
as fair samples to show the bearings which aspect has on our fruit- 
interests. They are repeated in almost everjr township and county 
in the south half of Wisconsin. Why not heed the lesson? This 
is the greenback of pomology. It will bear expansion to meet the 
greatest demands of the people, and no repudiation need be feared. 
Of varieties, we will not enumerate, but recommend every planter 
to look about him, and after ascertaining what does well in loca¬ 
tions similarly situated to his own chosen one, plant of them main¬ 
ly. The great variety of soils and other local conditions which 
prevail will modify the list of varieties that would be safe to plant 
in any distinct section of our State. 
The culture of orchards must also vary from any specific rule, 
as other conditions vary. We urge the exercise of a fair amount 
of common sense in this matter, as in the feed and care of a horse 
or cow. Excessive feed produces excessive growth and delicate 
structure, which cannot endure the extremes of our climate. Our 
advice is to “ go slow,” but always secure vigor and progress in the 
tree. On medium soils annual culture may be necessary. Do not 
feel that this culture is lost unless a secondary crop is gained by it. 
Ordinarily it will be better to cultivate but little, and remove 
nothing from the land. Better anticipate the future events; let 
the soil grow better by rest. Very rich soils may need the check 
of grass to save the trees, but there is no possible excuse for any 
considerable pasturing of the orchard-ground. In this dry climate, 
our soils need all the moisture they can retain. Pasturing does not 
