Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1874-06-09
agricultural,
For the oxford Democrat.
Fruit Trees.

4ftNos
Probably no branch Of agriculture is so
profitable in the New England States rs
fruit raising, if pursued in a proper man.
ner; if not, none is so tgproftable. In
the first place let US consider that all
species and varieties Of trees will not
flourish in one kind OF soil; each has a
soil peculiar to itself in which nature in
tended it to grow. Rock maple, white
maple. beech, ash. and birch require q
strong upland porous soil, rich in lime
and the mineral phosphaies. Sandy
ridges are most natural TO poplar and
white birch, sandy plains, which are
usually finer and more free from stones,
to hemlock and pine. Black ash, swamp
maple, alder, willow and elm grow best
in low, swampy soils.
Now reason and common sense seem
10 teach Us that it we reverse the order.
we work directly against nature, and
therefore must make grand blunder."
But let US look about and see if some of
Us don't DO that very same thing in regard
90 fruit trees. DO they belong TO sep
araic kingdom not governed by the same
law OF Nature? II not, why do they
not have natural soil especially adapted
10 their requirements They 10, bu, we
do not always consider it. We wan; an
orchard, and we obtain the trees and set
them in tho most conyeuieu, place, with
out regard to soil. location. Sc, and that
is the las, oil it. Ii they ever amount 10
anything il is because they happened 10
be set in the ggh, p,ace-not for any VI,
o. wisdom Ol the owner. Thousands OF
dollars have been thrown away in this
County by purchasing fruit trees to set
out where nature never designed that they
should grow. Rock maple soil seems TO
be best adapted TO apple trees. though
the different varieties OF Tie crab apple
grow as well OF better or sandy soil,thoy
are the only kinds suitable 20 many por-
tons OF New England. They will flourish
where the common apple and pear viii
grow sick.y and die. Some OF the in.
proved varieties OF the crab apple are
guile large. fair and palatabie. They
are good bearers. bearing very young,
and some Of them keep well.
Many trees have been set into old worn
out fields, and lelt TO take care OF them
selves. Ii The boters did not hi!l them
they usually died OF The yellow fever"
The poverty. stricken soil would not sup
port them. They need more fertilizers
than most people are aware. When the
the country was new laey would grow
without; but they Will ne. 90 il now.
No doubt that tree agents and dealers
have been blamed and held responsible
for the failure Of many young orchards,
when in fact it was owing to the iguo-
rance and carelessneSs Of the purchaser.
This is unjust. The dealers have sins
enough OF their own to answer for. but
we hold to giving each his due, even the
Old notorious character himself.
There is no danger Of the fruit business
being oyerdone. even it we produce all
tina; is possible to skill and right man.
asement. 1, is settled fact that New
England apples keep better and are better
favored than Western, and will always
find q market.
Fruit tree are subject TO 4 great many
drawbacks, but among the worst OF its
insect enemies are borers and caterpillars,
the later being in successful operation"
now. and ought not to be allowed to
"depredate" another day. Go for them,
gentlemen. W. w. MANN.
Paris, Maine