Lancaster daily intelligencer. [volume] (Lancaster, Pa.) 1864-1928, 1882-09-27
AGRICULTURAL TOPICS.

GefmantOWn Telegraph.
From a pretty long experience in plant
ing fruit trees we have come to the con-
clusion-and this is not the first time we
have printed it in these columns-that
two year old fruit trees are more certain
come vigorous and longer-lived than trees
twice as old. Indeed, we have seldom
succeeded we'll with trees moro than two
years old.
Some years ago we went to a nursery
for some two dozen Of pear and cherry
trees, and in the hurry of writing the Or
der, not being able to go after the trees
personally. nothing was said about the age
Of them. We only said, ''Send good trees,
well-brancLed." We never saw 4 more
perfect Let of trees, but they were at least
four years old and some Of them nine feet
high. They were planted carefully and cut
back severely, but only moderately at first,
to save them. The spring could not have
been more favorable for transplanting,
and when the dry weather set in they
were frequently watered. which doubtless
saved the majority. Five OF tho lot died.
We do not remember losing a small tree.
We repeat our conviction, therefore, that
one and two year old trees are better in
t. . end thau those older and though we
may have to wait sometimes (not always
longer to get fruit, the trees are far
healthier and more productive and give
more satisfaction.
We may add that several of these pear
trees were pruned within from six to ten
inches of the main stock, resembling
when done a half-closed upturned hand,
and it not only saved them, but they are
at this time in perfect health, growing
finely. All fruit-trees, to afford the best
satisfaction, should be of the age here in
dicate3, and if properly planted and cared
for, will be moro hardy, vigorous and
longer.lived than trees of older stock.
The desire some people have of getting
fruit as quickly as possible is not always
realized by planting older trees and from
the very fact that they may bear earlier,
will be at the expense of the health and
growth of the tree.
Wheat Growing.
The success in growing wheat in Penn
sylvania the last few years should stimu-
late us 10 raise greater average per acre
than has been tho case in many portions
of the state. We notice that as much as
an average Of thirty bushels has been OBJ
tanned this year in some of the western
states and we are we'll aware that the
yield has been increased this year in Penn
sylvania-in some special instances over
forty bushels per acre have been obtained.
Ofcourse there are various causes inflC-
encing success. That which might be an
aid at ono point might be an injury at
another. But there are ono or two matters
that wheat growers are apt to forget. The
first is, that as general thing it is we'll
understood that manure must he liberally
applied to induce a good crop but many
persons plOw it under, hence, it is not
until the plant has set its roots deep down
into the soil that it derives much benefit
from the manure. But if the manure is
30 placed that the young rootlets could
push at once into it on germi mating, it
would get an carly start on its vital course,
which would establish it firmly against
any future drawbacks.
In the second place few persons have
any idea of how manure operates in max
ing roots. II We bury shovelfull of man.
ure some distance from thrifty tree in
early spring, and examine it again the en-
suing fall, We find tho lump of dung a
complete mass of roots, while the earth in
other parts contiguous has but few
struggling ones. Some people think that
the roots are attracted to the spot by tho
manure but it is not SO. They are ac-
tlally created by the manure. A leading
root sucks into the rich mass, and finding
plenty to eat, at once sets to work to in
crease and multiply. Contact with the
manure, therefore makes roots and the
principle in successful wheat culture
should place the grain and the food as
close together as possible, if We would
encourage it to root out we'll and get a
good start. We all know very we'll how
this is done with corn. Manuring in the
bill is quite universal practice /: but
where it Is not, the result is we'll known.
We repeat, therefore, give tho crops an
early start. 1t has wonderful influence
in its efforts in after life to come out
we'll.
Keeping Apples.
Al tho time is near at hand when the