RKBP-136

327

Messrs. kennicott. - Dear Sirs. Next spring it is my intention to set out some trees on my place - it is my intention to set out some apples & pears. plums & some outher small fruit trees - such as currant. peaches & grapes - but before doing so I will ask a little of your advice - with regard to soil location & cet - my place is about 2 miles south from the fon du lac RR at canfield & is about 4 miles west from the town of Jefferson - the top soil is a black loam with a subsoil of sandy gravel & in some parts almost a hardpan Bottom. varying in depth. from 2 feet to 18 inches - & is moderately dry. it is good praerie soil & cannot be said to be either very wet or dry -

oak is the prevailing timber on the land. at preasent with some cotton wood & maple - it is exposed to the west wind. but is sheltered from the north west wind. & is open to the north wind - it is about 1/2 a mile from the desplaine River. there is not much veriety of soil. - I will set out about an acre next spring. I will set out if you advise me to. Some apples pears plums & cherries currants. & I want you to send me word what kind you think will suit the location. & such as you think would do well in such soil as I have discribed. with a list of your prices. so that I may calculate the cost as well as the number that I may get of each kind - also wheather it would be best for me to go to your place. or have them delivered at canfield station on the fon du lac RR. write soon - yours truly Thos. Carbine Chicago Jan - 5th 1857[underlined] Carbine