The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1875-05-15
M;he EEsarnt+
What Is the Proper Treatment Of Or
chards in Bearing and in Ages

Colora, Cecil county, Md, IN answer to
the above question, and by the Club re-
quested for publication:
The terms of the question calling for
this essay seems to imply that in the
first rearing of orchards, cultivators of
fruit are agreed. 1t has reference to
their treatment when in bearing condi-
ton.
1t appears to be assumed that to pro-
duce an orchard Of vigorous trees it is
important to keep the soil MANFRED and
cultivated. The effect of such culture
upon young trees is as manifest as upon
SO many hills Of corn; it is probably
generally practiced, except in cases of
extreme neglect, and, together with the
requisite care in pruning, keeping the
young trunks upright and occasionally
scrubbed with soap suds, results in an
exhibition that affords complacencv for
the present and hope for the future.
Why, then should it be discontinued?
The cause Of discontnuance probably
is, the thriving trees so shade the ground
that the intervening crops are not re-
munerative The present yearly pro-
duce in apples does not equal the eX
pense of culture, and the farmer wcaries
in applying manure and labor that are
not at once returned in money. He
NAV excuse this neglect by trying to
believe that the fruit will be as abund-
ant and perfect if the soil be left TO the
course of nature. And when few
years have rolled around, with varied,
perhaps Indifferent, success, he excuses
himself from an effort at renewed cul-
ture by assuming that the trees would
be damaged by disturbing their roots.
| have known orchards left in grass
after they were in bearing condition that
for time did we'll But if thus left,
the general result is decline Trees
that at first bore fruit fit for market,
soon fail to DO so, and in a few years
are ready for the axe.
The question then arises: Can we by
cultivation or any other process prolong
the life of the trees, and at the same
time increase the amount and improve
the quality of the fruit?
In many cases it better suits the con-
venience of the farmer to mulch or top
dress, leaving the soil undisturbed
We need not dispute that good results
may have been reached by this process.
1t were doubtless beneficial to apply
manure to the soil of an orchard, in
whatever manner it be done. But in
the cases which have come under my
notice, where the crops thus produced
We're satisfactory, the land has been eX-
ceptionally loose and friable-genial for
orchard purposes. 1t has not been
proved that with orchards generally
continuous crops of perfect fruit can be
had without stirring the soil.
To give clear view of the proper
care of an orchard in bearing it will be
necessary to revert to its previous treat
ment. There are many orchards too
much crowded. The trees should be at
least two rods apart, and if we wish to
secure a successful longevity it We're
better to place them forty feet from each
other. Access to light is essential to
the perfect development both Of the
branches and fruit Were l to assume
the care of an intcrlocked orchard such
as | have often seen, | would begin by
cutting away three-fourths Of the trees.
We might then hope to be rewarded for
care of the remainder If these were
Of varieties likely to be profitable or
adopted to the special wants of the fam
lily let them be properly trimmed. If
not Of suitable kinds, let them be at
once grated with more approved sorts.
This last remark may be applied to all
orchards If the kinds do not suit us,
put on new tops A valuable tree may
in this way be had much more quickly
than by taking trees from the nursery.
Then with varieties properly selected,
trees properl Y trimmed and standing so
far apart that their branches will not
interlock, what is to be done next
Our top-dressing advocates would say,
apply manure to the surface, keep a
beautiful clean sod and enjoy the fruit.
This course has its charms, and when
ever it is found to succeed, through an
indefinite period, it were needless to
change the treatment
OlHNIo duNlSC W TURN III lllc
hogs; they both manure and cultivate
They cultivate without disturbing so
many fbrous roots, and it NAV be
thought, supply just the desired condi-
tons for the greatest productiveness.
We need not object to this course, if
pursued under certain circumstances.
The swine of a farm need accommoda-
tions, and | have sometimes thought,
when turning them into a blooming
orchard in the Spring, that they were
in condition for enjoyment which even
their masters might envy But, how
ever fitting this arrangement may some
times be, it is liable to serious oliec-
tons. We should rather regard such
enclosures as hog yards shaded by fruit
trees, than as orchards pastured by
hogs. 1t may often serve good pur-
pose to have such enclosures about the
premises, provided we can secure the
trees against having their bark stripped
off by the swine There is considerable
danger Of this. But hog pasturage is
not consistent with the most satisfac-
tory results in fruit culture If we
would attain the best development, |
would recommend liberal manurng
continuous culture and the general ex-
clusion of all stock. By the term con-
tinuous culture it is not intended that
the soil should be stirred every year.
1t is found that the best conditions for
the growth of corn and garden stuff
are obtained by the decomposition of a
sod. The same conditions are benef-
cial to an orchard. Hence, routine of
treatment, involving the culture of such
crops as corn, potatoes, turnips and
wheat, followed by one or two years in
clover and timothy, while it may best
suit the farmers convenience, will be
found best to secure the production Of
fruit.
Reverting to period now thirty
years past, those of US who are old
enough, may remember that thrifty
apple trees were rarely met with in
these parts, and perfect apples not to