FORTY-THIRD ANNUAL REPORT. 91 



should be worked in around the roots in order to secure a good con- 

 tact. If the soil is not in good state of fertility, it would be well 

 to use some rich garden or virgin soil for a great deal depends upon 

 the trees getting a good start. Such treatment is especially beneficial 

 on old orchard land that may be susceptible to the root aphis as the 

 root systems must be vigorous to overcome this pest. 



The trees are handled much easier and cheaper if they are pruned 

 before planting. This consists in trimming off any broken roots, clip- 

 ping off all twigs close to the trunk so as to form a whip, and then 

 cutting it back to a height varying from 18-30 inches from the ground. 

 This height depends upon the preference of the grower. Care should 

 always be taken to prevent the roots from diwing and it is generally 

 best to keep them in water just before planting. 



Care During the First Three Seasons.- — The treatment of the land 

 during the first year will depend upon the crop that the owner may 

 desire to produce. Corn is usually preferred and is satisfactory where 

 the land is adapted to this crop. It should be grown in hills and 

 plenty of space left next to the trees. In a twenty foot planting, four 

 rows may be run in each direction and in the twenty-four foot space, 

 there is an opportunity for five rows. The cultivation of the corn as- 

 sures proper tillage for the young trees. 



Corn is not the only crop that may be grown during the first year. 

 Beans, potatoes, and truck crops are frequently grown. While it is 

 possible and often practical to secure something from the land during 

 the growing period of the trees, one must always remember that the 

 growth of the orchard is the main object, and all the crops grown among 

 the trees should be considered as side issues. A hoe should be used 

 around the tree occasionally to conserve the moisture for the roots. 

 When hoeing, it is convenient to train the head of the tree by rubbing 

 off the young shoots that may start in undesirable places. The growth 

 of the tree is thus confined to the parts that will be left in future years. 

 All weeds should be kept down, especially around the trees. At the 

 time of the last cultivation, a cover crop should be sown. The kind will 

 depend upon the condition of the soil and the preference of the grower. 

 If more nitrogen is desired, winter vetch or one of the clovers should 

 be used. If tlie purpose of the crop is simply to conserve plant foods 

 and to secure a covering for winter and spring, rye is very satisfactory. 

 This applies especially to the first year, as one is reasonably sure 

 to plow early the second year, thus keeping ahead of the growth of 

 rye. In autumn, after the foliage drops, soil should be mounded around 

 the trunks of the young trees, using care to fill any hollows or de- 

 pressions that surface water may drain away. This mound will also 

 be valuable in preventing the mice from nesting in any grass that may 

 be next to the tree. This practice should be followed every year while 

 the tree is young. 



In the early spring of the second year, the orchard should be pruned. 

 From three to five main limbs should be left well distributed in all 

 directions and so arranged that chances for poor crotches will be elim- 

 inated. These limbs must be cut back severely, leaving not more than 

 one-third of the groAvth of the previous season. Before the buds start, 

 the trees should be sprayed to prevent the leaf curl disease. If the land 

 is in good condition, it may be cropped during the second season and 



