The Portland daily press., 1879-01-09
AGRICULTURAL.
Lesson for Fruit Growers.

The largest orchard 10 the world is doubt
less that owned and worked very successfully
BY Mr.. Robert Nc Kinstry OF Hudson, Col
umhia Co. N. Y. Mr.. Nc Kinstry's orchard
Is procuring for him worldwide reputation,
and he has many visitors. Like all fruit
growers, and others of kin to that profession,
he is kindly aud literally disposed, and has no
secrets TO reserve from Others who love fruit
growing aud 10 talk of fruit. Visitors are
therefore made welcome, and his orchard is
open to inspection by all who are interested
In his labors. The orchard is situated on the
east bank of the Hudson river. on high rolling
table laud, aud occupies 800 acres, and
CONTAINS more than $4,000 apple trees, 1,700
pears, 1000 cherries, 500 peaches, 200 plums.
200 crabs, 1000 viues, 5000 currants and 200
chestnuts. The varieties grown are: Rhode
Island Greening, 1000; Baldwns, 6 900; King
of Tompkins Co., 1900; Astrachans, 800;
Northern Spy, 500; Wagner, 500, Craven
stein, 400; Cranberry Pippins, 200; Ben Davis,
thans, Hubbardstons, Cayngas, Vanderveers,
Bell-tlowers, Pearmains, Pecks, Peasants,
20-Ounce Pippins, Russets and others less in
number
The pears are Bartlett, B. d Anjou, Sheldon,
Sickle, and Lawrence, chiefly. OF cherries
there are % varieties. The orchard is remark
ably thrifty, and the Oldest trees are abont
twenty years old. The soil is dry rolling
gravel with some limestone; the trees are
planted twenty feet apart and do not seem by
any means to be crowded. The ground is
plowed several times in the year and kept fall
low; except when thought advisable, 1t is seed
ed to clover. The orchard Is intersected by
over six miles in length, for the passage OF
wagons, aud is bounded by a continuous row
OF apple trees set ten feet apart, for four and
one-half miles. The soil Is certainly well
adapted for fruit growing, for the trees are
clean, thrifty, compact, and loaded with the
highest colored and fairest looking fruit. The
apple-crop Of the present year is expected to
be $4,000 barrels, a large portion of which will
beexported to Liverpool and Glasgow. TWEEN
ty-four men and fourteen horses are employed
hauling out the crop or in blowing.
The success OF this orchard has not been
achieved nor is it maintained, without the
closest supervision and the most industrious
work. Enemies are there, as vel as else
where, but these have no peace; the warfare
against them needs to be constant. Suckers
and sprouts are removed as seen; the borer!
are watched and followed with vigor. Wires
are used to reach them in their burrows, aud
the damaged bark is removed with chisels
As trees fall, Others are planted in their places
and the orchard is constantly being renewed
in this manner.
As the market for good frnit is extending
every year, and foreign customers are seeking
supplies here, the business of growing frui
cannot fail to be profitable and permanent
No other business pays better than this 70
the most skillful attention and management
indeed, without these it is vain to expect
crop that will sell in the market as remuner
alive prices. Good fruit sells itself aud tn
grower is soon sought by purchasers. Thos
who desire TO take alesson in things appertan
ing to the business and to prove the truth Q
these facts, may well study the ways ant
methods of Mr.. McKinstry in his orchard.-
Country Gentleman.