22 



The above estimates are based on the figures quoted previously : average crop 

 4.5 baskets per tree; trees planted 18 by 18 feet or 135 to the acre; rate per basket 

 33.5 cents gross or 29.7 net to the grower for the fruit. (In the latter figure, the 

 cost of the basket is deducted). 



The following is worked out by the writer and is based on general conditions 

 where land prices, etc., are not so higli, as in the Winona district : 



Cost of land, 10 acres at $200.00 an acre $2,000.00 



Planting and cultivating, fertilizing, pruning, spraying, etc., 8 years at 



$22.50 per acre ". 2,250.00 



$4,250.00 



Estimates based on an average crop of three baskets per tree, the trees planted 

 135 to the acre at a net to grower price of thirty cents a basket for the fruit. 



Interest on investment, $4,250.00 at 6 per cent $255.00 



Taxes, 10 acres at $1.50 15 . 00 



Pruning and picking brush at $7.00 per acre 70.00 



Spraying three times, labor and including 150 barrels of diluted spray 



with arsenate when needed 150.00 



Cultivation, 10 acres at $4.00 per acre 40 . 00 



Fertilizer, 10 acres at $15.00 150.00 



Picking 4,050 baskets at 3i^ cents 141.75 



Delivery at 1 cent a basket 40 . 50 



Depreciation, 5 per cent, for 20 years 212 . 50 



$1,074.75 



4,050 baskets at 30 cents $1,215.00 



Cost 1.074.75 



Profit • . $140.25 



Or in other words after paying interest at six per cent, on the investment the 

 returns from the above estimates would be $140.25 or $14.03 per acre for the 

 management. 



It is said that figures won't lie, but they sometimes are misleading. Never- 

 theless, if the intending planter -will use these only for the purpose for which 

 they are intended, using them for a guide only, he may find them helpful. 



The personal factor is one that can not be estimated in dollars and cents, and 

 on it depends the whole proposition. What the grower receives in profits is really 

 a dividend on his ability as a managing fruit grower. 



Diseases Affecting Fruit and Teee. 



Brown Eot, Sclerotina fruitigena. — This is the most serious disease affecting 

 the fruit of the plum and requires very thorough measures to control. The fruit 

 becomes a soft, rotten mass and quickly spreads the infection to other fruit, and 

 particularly those in contact with it. The diseased fruit, if allowed to hang on 

 the tree, shrivels up and dries and will remain hanging all winter. 



The disease is a fungus that rapidly develops during warm, moist weather. 



Control : If the disease is established pick off all the dried or mummied fruits 

 and bury or plow under. 



Pruning the tree and thinning the fruit so that plenty of air and sun can 

 find its way to all the leaves and fruits will make conditions that are adverse to 

 its development. 



