Cooperative Work with Columbia University 453 



conclusions 



I would therefore advise medium-sized orchards in connection 

 with mixed farming, as thus the farm can maintain itself and sup- 

 port the occupant in non-bearing years. Labor for the orchard 

 can be had at less cost where it can be eanployed the entire year or 

 at times when orchard operations cannot be carried on. 



This is particularly tiiie as regards that of horses. A careful 

 grower in western New York recently told the writer that when 

 he was growing fruit exclusively his horse labor cost more than 

 thirty cents an hour ; combining with it the growing of alfalfa and 

 other farm crops, where the horses could be employed for a longer 

 period, he had reduced the cost per hour to eighteen cents. It is 

 evident that we cannot expect much above two dollars per barrel, 

 including package for apples. A greater price materially reduces 

 consumption. 



Realizing and acting on these things it will evidently be wise 

 in moderation for men with apple land to sing with Bryant: 



Come, let us plant the apple tree. 



Cleave the tough greensward with the spade, 



Wide let its hollow bed be made; 



Then gently lay the roots, and there 



Sift the dark mould with kindly care 



And press it round them tenderly. 



As round the sleeping infant's feet 



We softly fold the cradle sheet, 



So plant we the apple tree. 



The fruitage of this apple tree 

 Winds and our flag of stripes and star 

 Shall bear to coasts that lie afar. 

 When men shall wonder at the view 

 And ask in what fair land it grew; 

 And sojourners beyond the sea 

 Shall think of childhood's careless day 

 And long-, long hours of summer play 

 In the shade of the apple tree. 



