l8 AGRICULTURE OF MAINE. 



ladders. This is practical only with dwarf trees, where it 

 might be done to advantage. 



THE ROOTS OE A TREE. 



As trees grow older the roots next to their trunks perform 

 a different ftmction than while they are younger. They become 

 the strong bracing parts of the tree, to hold it in place and to 

 resist the winds, when the trees begin to take on heavy weight 

 in the fruit they carry. Were it not for the strong large roots 

 the trees would blow over during high winds, and especially 

 when the soil is wet from heavy rains. There are very few 

 fine or feeding roots on these enlarged portions for a few feet 

 out from the trunks, the trees getting their main nouri.shment 

 from the fine fibrous roots out at the extremities that push out 

 and into the soil in all directions. 



We are inclined to believe it will give better results to have 

 the soil undisturbed next to the trunks of the trees ; to keep 

 such vegetation, mostly weeds, as may grow there cut to form 

 an accumulating mulch. All stones should be closely picked 

 up and a surface formed where the wind-fall apples may be 

 saved in good condition to be sent to market where a cheaper 

 grade of fruit is always wanted. 



Where evaporators are at hand this dropped fruit would have 

 higher value for drying. Cultivation would then be kept up in 

 the center of the spaces between the trees to make readily 

 available the plant food that is in the soil and to conserve soil 

 moisture. 



We believe that it may be possible through this change of 

 culture to reduce the cost of production by thirty per cent and 

 at the same time to obtain somewhat higher color in the fruit. 

 Tillage should be carried only to the extent of obtaining a good 

 annual growth of wood. As soon as this is assured tillage 

 should cease, for size in the fruit will be obtained along with 

 a good growth of wood, especially where green crops are regu- 

 larly grown and plowed in. 



FERTILIZERS FOR ORCHARDS. 

 The subject of fertilizer is one upon which it is very difficult 

 to give advice or even an opinion. The secrets of the soil are 

 many that have not yet been solved and are far from being 

 understood. 



