The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1857-04-21
Net profits In seven years.

Net prohts In seven years, $ees Ii
And still growing at tho rate of 25 per
cent.
The products of an orchard is not its only
benefit; it often adds much to the health and
comfort of family.
Not only so, fruit trees are highly orna-
mental. Some will say that it is too late in
the day to set young orchard; for in few
years fruit may be had for little or nothing.
We have heard this story for twenty years,
and yet good fruit never sold so high as at
present. When we look far off to the great
Northwest and see thousands that are desti-
tute, and with climate that is not congenial
10 the product of fruit, we arc forced to the
conclusion that fruit will be in good demand
for the next twenty years at least.
As fruit is likely to become one of the
staples Of Michigan, it is therefore important
to fruit growers TO propagate the longest
keepers, and Of the most approved kinds. /
will name few which consider are among
the best for a market apple Northern Spy,
Esapus Spitzenbergh, Swar, Golden and Rox-
bury Russct, Grcenings, Winter Pipp!n, Win
ter Bellfower, &c. The Roxbury Russet is
a thrifty grower and great bearer, but is
not sufficiently hardy to stand the severity of
our cold winters, unless grated in the top
For home consumption it is important to have
a good variety for summer, fall and winter,
both sweet and sour, and this We may have
with little care.
/ will now give my views on rearing an
orchard. / am aware u at shall differ with
many in our land whose opinion is considered
good authority, on this subject. But as l
design TO be practical in my remarks, l will
give my views and experience in this matter.
would recommend setting Seeding trees
and graft in tho top. will here state my
reasons for so doing Experience and obser.
walton show conclusivcly that natural bodies
arc the most hardy--less liable to suffer from
severe freezing Tho severity of tho past
two winters, has killed hundreds Of dollars
worth of fruit trees in our Young and -four.
ishing orchards in this vicinity. BY select
ing our own scons from bearing trees We get
tho variety we wish, and are not liable to be
imposed upon by tree pedle's or nursery men.
1t is for our interest, as fruit growers, to pro-
pagate the most approved kinds, as it costs
no more to grow good tree, than worth
less thing TO cumber the ground. The beau
ty and utility of an orchard depends much
on its arrangement. Trees should be set a
proper distance from each other, so they will
row every way. Select straight thrifty seed
ling trees, set them with care, graft in the
top the first season after setting cut off all
your stocks about four feet from the ground,
this gives you uniformity of height Of top,
and adds much to the beauty of an orchard.
Set two 'scions in each stalk, if they both live
cut out the poorest one tho second year.
Young trees should be mulched with coarse
manure; this will keep them alive through
protracted drouth. Wash your trees once
each year; this will leave the bark soft and
smooth. Trees treated in this way will never
be infested with lice. Thousands Of young
trees have been lost the past season for want
Of proper care. A young orchard should
never be seeded to clover. Do not prunc
much for three or fonr years. Keep the boys
from calling them when plowing.
We should profit 10y the misfortunes OF
others. have lost five large trees by prun-
ing TO close after grating. The foliage is rs
lungs to tho tree; we should, therefore, be
cautious how we usc the knife.
Yours truly, JAS. CLIZBE-
Quincy, April !, 1857.