healthy. The yield of apples had not been large this season, but
orchardists generally felt encouraged in regard to the future of their
orchards. He had found the high clay soils preferable for the apple. Mr.
Bryant reported the apple crop small. Some orchards had borne good
crops, especially of the Ben Davis. In others, this variety had failed.

ORCHARD CULTURE.

Mr. W.T. Nelson, of the committee on orchard culture, recommended the
planting of orchards on high, sloping ground. In the rather low and
level country in which he lived (Will county) orchard trees lasted but
fifteen or twenty years. But few varieties seem to do well in any
locality. He would advise men about to set out orchards to ascertain
what varieties do well in their particular locality, and then plant no
others. He would not prune young orchards. He recommended the tiling of
orchards.

HIGH OR LOW, LAND.

Mr. Nelson's report opened up the subject of high or low lands for
orchards. Mr. Robinson got more apples from trees on low lands than from
elevated sites. Prof. Budd did not commit himself to either theory, but
remarked that some varieties do best on low lands, while others
preferred the higher situations. Parker Earle thought that this theory
of low lands for our apple orchards was contrary to the past teachings
of the society. In his opinion high grounds are preferable. The subject
was a complicated one for Prof. Burrill. He had seen many low ground
orchards that bore good crops this year. There are many modifications
that effect the crop. It is not merely the elevation of orchard sites.
It was his belief that high ground, all things considered, is the best.
Mr. Robinson was not enthusiastic about the tile drainage of orchards.
Our trees need more water than they usually get. They do not suffer from
too much water, but from dry summers and rolling land. Mr. Spalding, of
Sangamon county, had found his nursery trees poorest when planted on a
depressed surface. He tiled extensively. His subsoil was a clay loam.
Nine years ago he laid tile 3-1/2 feet deep and 30 feet apart. He did
not believe in manuring young trees. Too rapid growth is not wanted.
Trees in Illinois grow as much in one year as they do in two years in
the State of New York, where they raise more fruit than we do. The most
rapid growing trees are the tenderest. He does not force the growth of
his orchard trees. He is satisfied nurserymen have manured their young
stock too much.