The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1886-05-15
SET MORE TREES.
Some of the Requisites of Success in Shade
and Fruit Tree Culture.

and Fruit Tree Culture.
Some farmers seem to think that
there is only one period in the history
of the farm when trees should be set.
One is certainly led to this conclusion
from the appearance of things. This
setting of trees usually occurs in our
country when the farm is new. As q
natural consequence the experience of
the planter is worth but little. He may
have planted trees elsewhere, in a
widely different location, as regards
conditions for tree culture, but he can
be guided very little in most cases by
such knowledge.
For instance, in the West it requires
a knowledge gained by experience I'M
der the peculiar conditions of that Sec
from the East may have had a consid-
cradle experience in tree culture, and
when he gets around to plant he will
probably plant according to his pre-
vious experience. These first attempts
too often result in partial if not total
! failure.
But he has laid out his orchard and
planted it. Here he conceives that he
has performed his part and if the orch
ard assumes scraggly, scattered and
unthrifty appearance he comes to the
conclusion that fruit can not be raised
in that locality and foregoes any further
attempt. The fruit from the few hardy
varieties that are scattered through his
plantation is gathered from year to
year, but no effort is made to introduce
Others that may readily be accustomed
to the climate and local conditions.
The first attempt, even if be a partial
| failure, has its particular value as an
| experience, provided its lesson be made
use of; but if the planter stop here he
must lose much of what he has already
| invested and debar himself from further
results in the way of successes that
might be made to follow in more ex-
| perienced attempts. Few enterprises
are eminently successful at the start.
Time, experience, patience, money and
hard labor are requisites of success.
Don't give up because you have lost
a few trees. In my Section of the
country many varieties of apple trees
will bear very well for three or four
crops and then commence to die. This
is bad, to be sure, but it might be much
worse. Trees are not now so high
priced that we feel it a great burden to
replace few each year. By planting
q few each year we can keep up an
abundant supply of the hardy varieties.
There are many-very many-who
never think of planting until the old
trees are gone. This is a serious mis-
fake in all tree culture. When once
you are satisfied that your trees are
going, commence planting new of the
best varieties that you can find. that
you may not be left entirely without
fruit
If the vacant places in the original
orchard are to be filled with fresh trees
the old stumps and roots should be en-
tirely removed and the ground dug up
deep and thoroughly mellowed and
MANFRED. The first tree no doubt ex-
hausted the soil Immediately about it
of those properties needed in tree
growth and before replanting in the
same place a generous quantity of good
complete manure should be applied.
Mulching should never be neglected
after planting trees. Young trees must
be mulched as protection against
summer winds and sun as well as
against winters frosts; and every
newly-set tree should be firmly staked
so that it may not be wrenched about
by the wind.-Cor. Western PIoeOneGn.