Dwarf Apples. 399 



such trees are rare exceptions. From four to six pecks may be 

 stated as representing approximately the annual yield of mature 

 trees of naturally productive varieties which are grown as 

 dwarfs, and which have been well fertilized and pruned. It will 

 be found that the apples must be borne with considerable regu- 

 larity that such an average shall be maintained; one year's par- 

 tial failure, and such do occasionally occur, means a heavy crop 

 for the succeeding year or two, and that in turn leaves an ex- 

 hausted tree. A yield of about one hundred and twenty-five 

 barrels per acre would be obtained from a uniform plantation, 

 at the rate here assumed, and I believe this amount represents 

 the present production of dwarf trees which have been well 

 grown. 



Tield of standard orchards. — In estimating the yield of stand- 

 ard apple trees, the same difficulties are encountered as in the 

 case of dwarfs, but the uncertainty of the crop is here even more 

 pronounced. The natural fruitfulness or barrenness of a variety 

 expresses itself unequivocally, for the modifying circumstance of 

 dwarfing does not obscure these characters. Soil and location 

 are also free to exert a direct influence, and methods of cultiva- 

 tion, differing widely from each other, also play an important 

 part. In considering standard orchards, the two extremes in 

 their powers of bearing must be avoided, as has also been done 

 in the discussion of dwarf trees. 



An apple orchard which is composed of vigorous-growing va- 

 rieties should be set so that the trees shall be at least forty feet 

 apart each way. This allows twenty-seven trees upon an acre. 

 If the varieties are but moderately productive, and the trees 

 have been fairly well cultivated, a yield of about three barrels 

 may be expected as the average annual crop per tree while the 

 orchard is from 15 to 25 years of age. From this period until 

 the trees begin to fail from old age, an average yield of five bar- 

 rels per tree is more than is generally obtained. At this rate, 

 the total returns from an acre would be about 135 barrels, a 

 crop which exceeds the estimate of the dwarf trees by only 10 

 barrels. When orchards are composed of the less vigorous varie- 



