Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1869-01-29
Grafton Industrial Association.


met at the residence of Charles S. White,
Jan. goth, 1869. Topic for discussion,
"Apple and Pear Culture"
J. ID. PETTINGEIL.-I setting an
orchard it is essential that we procure
good trees, should prefer nursery trees If
they are properly grown and not forced.
Trees for setting should be of slow
growth, stout and stocky, about four and
one half feet high Would not set trees
in the moving lots, except by the side of
the fences. In setting trees, would
mulch thoroughly. Would not give the
soil of a newly set orchard general cult
walton, but would depend upon mulch
ing. Thought sheep-pasture with a
southerly or easterly aspect the best place
for an orchard, because the sheep will
eat the windfalls, in consequence (which
the crops are fairer, and nearly free from
worms.
Good and profitable trees can be made
of those which have come up of them
selves in the lots. Gave his experience
with an old tree standing in the pasture,
which was grated with the Baldwin and
has since been very profitable.
For market would plant but few
varieties, in an orchard Of one hundred
trees, would set at least one half Bald
wins, some Rhode Island Greetings, and
ON land suitable would set the Roxbury
Russell. Thinks we'll of the Northern
Spy, but it isa long time in coming into
bearing, and has not yet beensufficiently
proved in this locality.
| With proper preparation of soil and
and due regard to the selection of varie-
ties, can raise good pears. Considers the
Flemish Beauty, Doyenne Boussack,
Sheldon, Belle Lucrative and Figne de-
Alencon among the varieties of pears
adapted to this climate. In setting pears
orapple would dig broad but not very
deep hole, would manure the newly set
tree with well rotted compost of ashes
sods and stable manure.
J. H. PUTNAM. The proper prepare
ton ofthe soil for settinga young orchard
is precisely that which should be given te
the same field if it were intended to raise
therefrom premium corp of corn. On
ground thus prepared, set the trees
twenty-five feet apart each way, this will
give seventy trees to an acre. In setting
the trees, dig the holes large enough te
ILL .l- 4oots well stralgL.~--~I $3.50
On most of our undrained soils the holes
should not be deep, because solid, hard
pan subsoil makes an excellent dish tc
hold water, and stagnant cold water
about the roots is certain death to any
tree. In removing a tree from the nurs
cry, many OF the roots are unavoidlably
broken and injured; before setting, the
roots should be dressed by cutting back
all the bruised, broken PARTS to the soune
wood. The Top ofthe trees hould 5eprunec
in order to restore the balance between thu
top and roots, and also with view 0
forming well shaped head. This is bes
done by taking out all the branches ex
cept three or four which are we'll situat
ed to form top, and cutting the last
years growth of these back at least one
half. A tree thus prepared is ready tt
set. Now, after dipping the roots in wa
ter, place the tree in the hole upon 9
small mound, so that the roots will
spread out in their natural direction
then holding the tree perfectly upright
fell in around it with the richest sol
which it is possible to obtain, taking car,
to place no manure in immediate contae
with the roots, work the soil among tn,
roots so that no space will be left unfill
ed. Don't be afraid of dirt, but ge
down upon your knees and work with
, will. The farmer who is too proud O
too lazy to get upon his knees in settin,
trees, is not fitted for the business of frui
raising. Shake the tree OCCASIONAL,
while filling, and after the roots are vel
covered, press the earth firmly down will
the foot. The ground should be left
, little browning, 50 that after settling, tn
tree will stand at the same depth as il
| the nursery. After the tree is well set i
should be matched with saw-dust, leave
[ or any other suitable substance, this viii
, prevent the soil from drying and bakin,
and obviate the necessity of watering tn
, newly settrees, which practice is of doubt
: full utility at any time. At this poin
| many commit an error by immediatel,
, sowing with grain and seeding down t,
J. grass. The small grains are the wors
, possible crops to raise in an orchard
t The soil should be kept under clean cul
, tiyation either with hoed crops, and hea
: Wy manuring each year, or the groun,
t should be kept entirely clean by the FIRE
' quent use of the Cultivator, and dress
ing of manure given occasionally as tn
I trees require it.