Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1884-03-14
DaiIp Kennehft 3ournal.


Many orchards. planted with stunted
trees, injured by borers( SaDerda Birittaid.
and others,) necessarily decay. from their
original imperfecticn, which result might
have been avoided by a careful examina-
ton of the young trees. A much more
common cause for the decay of orchards,
however, is the want of judicieus trim
ming when young; thus permitting the
growth OF a superiority of branches. pro-
ducing close heads, excluding the atmos-
phere. and causing the growth OF moses
and other fungi, resulting in diseased
bark, uncleanly habit, engendering insects.
etc. In addition to these causes tor early
decay, may be added the evercropping OF
the soil between the trees. by exhaustng
crops, with an entire absence OF proper
fertilization TO compensate for the pro-
creased pabulum removed from the soil
both by the crops and by the trees them
selves.
The trimming of apple trees especially.
should occur when young. so as to render
the use of the axe and the saw unnecessary.
The bark should be kept clean by the use
of the soda wash we see so frequently
recommended. A clean condition of the
bark will secure the trees to great de-
gree against the attack of insects, while
the occasional application Of the soda
wash will dec0mpose and destroy the lar
va and cocoons of insects, also the para
site growths, and decompose the dead
portions of bark, so that the continued
growth OF the tree will cause it to be
thrown off. leaving a shining clean bark
on which but few insects can get loot
hold indeed. insects are not apt to attack
clean, healthy trees. while those less cared
for are within their reach. As to the fer
tilization Of trees. it should be remem-
bered that. notwithstanding the fact that
analvtically the soil NAV contain, quanti-
tatively, all that trees and crops may re-
quire, still qualitatively. it may not be
sufficiently progressed to feed the crops
and trees. and therefore, for the purpose
of permitting the constituents of the soil
itself to PROCESS. as in fallow soils, some
progressed TODD must be furnished to
replace progressed portions removed.
These, for trees, should be of inorganic
kinds, avoiding the more ammoniacal
sorts Barn-vard manure, literally APP
piled. frequently Injuries trees. Prac-
tice has clearly proved that factory
wastes. woodsearth. and other materials
capable of supplying phosphoric and sui
phuric acids, lime, potash, soda, etc. are
the best manures for orchards; giving
firmer growth without causing soft wood
to be killed by winter freezing, and simp-
" supplying food for insects Wood ash
es are an admirable fertilizer for orchards.
Ia, har OF N
the longevity Of the trees. particularly If
applied to young orchards. 1t is well
known to market gardeners that hOg-pen
manure will give ambury or fingers and
toes to cabbages, turnips. and other
brassca, and orchardists as well know
that peach, apricot. and other quick grow
ing trees, ARE deformed in their roots when
this manure is present. rendering them
short lived. This is true, in degree, with
all trees. Indeed. no kind of putrescent
manure should ever be applied to orch
ards. We do not object to the occasional
growing light crops among trees, or even
of heavier ones, if not to frequent. pro-
vided that the fertilization be adequate in
amount; for with some growers it is the
only means by which any stirring of the
soil in orchards will be secured.
he higher priced fruits, however, such
as choice pears, we believe NAV be grown
with greater profit without other crops.
provided the surface be frequently dis
turbed and kept free from weeds
In apple orchards. lime should be fire.
quently applied. and in small doses, say
five bushels per acre by top-dressing. per
hitting its descent by rains and dews. 1t
is quite unnecessary to pillow lime under,
the sub soil very soon, and for this reason
it should be applied more frequently and
in smaller doses shell lime being pre-
ierable to stone lime for such use. In
soils deficient of soda, the top dressing
may be the Lime and Salt Mixture, if
properly made-these. with occasional APP
plications of phosphate of lime and
ashes. will maintain an orchard in fruit
ful condition.