Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1831-10-03
From the Gardeners Mueariu..


Us PLANTING FRUIT Trees ON Poor Sons AND m
E1rosED SITUATIONS.
ST,-ln these times of distress, It becomes the
proprietor of every piece of land to make the most
Oh II; and 1t is the duty ofthose possessed of know
ledge or experience in farming gardening to
show to others how it may be cultivated to the best
advantage. Under this consideration, have been
induced TO send you some observations relating to
situations very suitable for orchards, which have
been hitherto considered the most inimical for the
purpose fear that it is difficult to write any thin
for tho Magazine that will give satisfaction, and
many may reject what am now going to recon-
mend; but let 1T he remembered that gle truth
is worth tive thousand arguments opinions, and
those who cannot be satisfied with reasoning NAV
sometimes be convinced by facts
All the authors that have read, who have writ
ten on orchards, have recommended deep soil on
sheltered places; but much experience has con vim
ced me that the bleak and barren sites in mnny in
stances, will be found equally good if not better
Some of the most old, healthy, and fruitful ample
trees ever saw, grew in an exposed quarry; where
when they first planted the trees, it is difficult To
conceive how they could cover tho roots have
also resided many years in the vicinity of an excee
dinghy fruitful orchard, situated IN sterile sandy
bank, facing the northeast, the soil of which was
so shallow and poor, that common vegetables could
scarcely live upon it; yet the crops of fruit were
uniformly fine. L could mention various others
but this may suffice to show that much good NAV
result from planting such places. Many of the
isolated cottages Of the poor sta nd upon the side of
giens, where considerable portions of ground lie by
them covered with nothing hut weeds and brambles
which might be ntagcously employed as fruit
gardens. There many surfaces old auarries,
and rocky Places no matter how bleakIy exposed
that cannot be otherwise cultivated, which would
am confident, make eligible situations for or
chards. Trees so eircumstaDccd, come into bear
ing much earlier, 1.-Two long, and seldom moss or
canKer. They cannot possibly generate too much
sap whilst robust trees i'll rich deep soils arc like
over fed human beings, whose impure blood covers
their skin with scabs and ulcers II has been pro-
verbally said of old trees, when they Grow weak
they bear themselves to death; and that thcy will
bring fruit, in defiance of the weather, when strong
healthy trees, in the same seasons, will be quite
barren. This arises, in my opinion, from better
riPcned WOOD, and consequently, better farina and
parts OF qualification; and not frequently sup
posed, from the actual debility of tho tree
have long been satisfied that the blossoms and
young fruit ofaPPc and pear suffer more from
the iarva of the PhalBnIr than from wet or frostv
weather. These trees, in well sheltered places are
generally found much infested by caterpiIl,rs.
whilst, in bleak and exposed orchards thew arc
comparatively free from them. Apple trees are of
ten greatly injured by the nut bushes and thorn
hedges that are planted to shelter them, because
thcy cnticc PhaIDnI. remember ZONE years apo |
when passing round the Yuuxhall forcinr-r ardep |
with the late Mr.. Andrews the fruit Of several ne,
trees which had been well loaded had all fallen Off
Tins no attributed to bad weather offered TO con
yi7ce him that it not the case; and cut n few !
lrut open, each Of which contained n,appot. |
Mr. Andrews felt offended at this, and said fbot
gardeners called only to ridicuc his things, thew
knew nothing in tho country whence they came
but to- drink tea and aio in the servants hall and
crack Jokes with ladies' maids and coachmen
These few observations consider 10 he of son,e
10 Horticulture whatever opposition thcy
may meet with from your readers. 1t may, howe.
YER DO objected that they are not applicable to
scotland or the northern parts Of the kingdom:
but this know, that fine apples are grown in
the cold counties and outskirts Of Scotland as
are to be met with in any part Of England
] am, sir, yours, SC.
Dec. 81 1890, r. HIvER