Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-01-31

For the Kennebec journal.
ORCHARDING-NO. 8.

Ii is much disputed question, whether
1t Is best to stock graft, or limb graft, and
one shall not attempt to decide. 1t i.
the quickest sweep to stock graft and one
that changes the whole tree at one opera
tion. 1t is a method that enables us to dc.
termne the kind of fruit our tree is to
bear in future, and if we purchase the
trees, to make such selections as are best
adapted to our climate and market. 1t Is
also the method, when we include budding.
that is most in vogue
| Limb grating after the tree is we'll de-
veioped, comes nearer some peoples ideas
OF right practices. We would advise
limb grating to be deferred till the nat
ural produce of the tree is determined, for
in many instances as good an apple NAV
be borne, as any we could graft in, when
all things are taken into consideration.
1t is impossible to obtain in any grated
tree as full vigor aud hardihood, as in a
natural growth one, and in appealing 10
grating, we should fully determine the
method that least impairs the vigor and
lie OF our trees. 1t is necessary to en-
pioy grating in some farms to make our
trees, IN many instances, produce profita.
BILE and useful kinds of fruits.
One great mistake often made in Sc
lection of varieties for an orchard is, too
many summer and autumn varieties, in
preference to winter or late keeping ones.
Seven-eighths of the orchard should be
| winter fruit as general rule Some
times, especially near good markets.
larger proportion of early apples may be
| admissible. The cultiyators location
must determine this.
Another mistake, fartoo prevalent, is set
ting out more trees than can be well cared
for. One good tree, well set out, well at
tended, and reared to successful bearing, is
worth many taken as they average. We
should adapt means to ends and make
haste slowly. till able and qualified to
launch out more boldly and successfully
upon the sea of orcharding.
Eternal vigilance is the price of fruit
The borers, bark lice, tent catapillars. can.
ker worm, and a host of lesser insect dem
redators will require strict attention. They
must be met and fought, promptly.
thoroughly. successfully. When we cease
to work among our trees, and abate our
care and attention, then they take de-
parture toward decline. No one need ex-
pect success in orcharding unless each wear
shall find him better prepared then last to
minister to their wants. indulge their lik.
lnSs, and to take advantage of their
needs to furnish the supplies called for. no
matter in what shape or form dtyuanded.
Old orchards need much attention to
keep up vigor and preserve from decay.
All loose brush and dead branches should
be carefully removed, the ground loosened
about their roots, the moss and the dead,
rough bark carefully scraped away, suck.
ers cut out, and some mild yet appropri-
ate fertilizer applied in liberal quantities
Where pruning has been neglected, it
should be attended to at once. The win.
ter by its leisure affords good time, and
also we can obtain a better view of the
frame work of the top, than when in leaf
All lngrowing branches should he removed
ana rank growing laterals shortened upon
the side that is developing too fast to pre-
serve due harmony and symmetry A small
narrow saw, with medium sized teeth, is
best TO cut out the larger branches with,
While sharp knife removes the smaller
ones quickly and easily. Be careful not
to let slip to the injury Of trunk or contig-
uons branches while trimming. Cut all
smoothly where they join the parent stem
and paint over with thick coat of linsceed
oil and lampblack as soon as cut
Shelters planted upon the north. ives;
ana east sides OF orchards, of evergrecns,
are highly useful. They should be three
or four rods from the outer trees, and il
further will be still very effective. Our
spruce, tir and cedars make very desirable
screens, and if set out when the trees are
young. or better still few years before,
will prove very paying investment. The
cost will be tritiing, while their practical
utility will extend through a genera.
ton at least. As the orchard is generally
located near the buildings, the screen may
be made to extend its protecting influence
over them as we'll rs the orchard This
matter of planting shelter belts OF wood
is one OF the needlul neglected things of
our husbandry.
FOOTE