Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 3, 1802).djvu/313

Rh of this most important department of economy.

I., and.

The extent of an orchard should be proportioned to that of arable land, and the quantity of fruit required either for private use, or the supply of public markets; so that the plantation may consist of from half an acre to 20 acres. As, however, there are many friends of horticulture, whose possessions confine them to a small compass; and who, nevertheless, wish to practise this useful art on a systematic plan: we have subjoined, at the conclusion of these observations, a second Cut, in which the proper place of each tree is accurately represented; and the most valuable fruit-trees are distinctly pointed out.

The situation and aspect may vary according to circumstances, provided the soil be good. All low, damp, exposures, however, ought to be purposely avoided, as no fruit-trees will flourish there; nor can their productions be fine or well flavoured. A moderately low situation, therefore, is preferable to elevated lands, provided it be dry; because it will thus be sheltered from the effects of tempestuous winds; though a small declivity will be very desirable, especially if its aspect incline towards the East, South-east, or to the South; which situations are always more eligible than a western exposure. But a northern aspect ought by no means to be selected, unless it be well sheltered, or the ground be peculiarly favourable to the formation of an orchard.

With respect to the , any common field, or pasture, which produces abundant crops of corn, grass, or culinary vegetables, may be chosen for laying out an orchard. If it be of a rich loamy nature, it will be of great advantage; though any soil of a good quality, may be prepared for the purpose; but, it must be neither too wet or heavy; nor too light or dry: it should be soft, easily worked, and have at least one spade deep of vegetable mould.

II. .

This primary object of horticulture, is usually effected by trenching, if the plantation be intended for private use. In the preparation of very extensive orchards, it will be advisable to plough the soil to a considerable depth; but the most eligible method is, to dig trenches, one or two spades deep, according to the nature of the ground, and six or eight feet wide in each row, where the trees are in future to be placed; especially if it be grass-land, and intended to be kept in the sward; in which case the green-sods must be laid at the bottom of each trench; because, when putrefied, they will afford an excellent manure. Should hops, or any other under-crop, be designed to be raised, it will be requisite to trench the whole of the ground; but, in either case, the spade must be carried to the depth of the natural soil.

The land, thus managed, ought likewise to be secured from the incursions of cattle, by means of a good ditch, and a well-planted hedge; which should be trained towards the north, as high and as thick as it can be carried. The plantation ought, also, to be screened on the east and west sides from the effeds of boisterous winds, by