I55<^ The Cornell Reading-Courses 



That is, how can we tell whether or not our particular orchard will bring 

 us good net returns, provided it is well cared for? This question may- 

 be answ'ercd in part by the study that has been made of orchards in six 

 or seven counties in New York State. The results of this study are 

 recorded in the orchard surveys of these counties. In Wayne county 

 Professor Warren, of the New York State College of Agriculture at Cor- 

 nell University, found that the orchards did not reach their maximum 

 production until they were about forty years old and that they continued 

 to produce good crops far beyond that age. The same condition was found 

 to be true in other counties where surveys were made. These figures 

 refer, of course, to orchards that have received some care. It is probable 

 that the neglected orchard has suffered in proportion to the lack of care, 

 and that the causes which have prevented the trees from producing good 

 crops have shortened, to a certain extent, the life of the trees. It is 

 reasonable to assume, however, that trees which are less than forty years 

 old, and are in good condition, are worth renewing. 



TREATMENT FOR RENEWAL 



There are several factors to be considered in the work of renewal of the 

 neglected orchard. The most important of these are drainage, thinning 

 out the orchard, changing from sod to cultivation, fertilizing, pruning, and 

 spraying. 



Drainage 



The drainage problem, although probably not the most important, is 

 one that should receive some consideration. In many neglected orchards 

 in New York State there are spots that are not sufficiently well drained 

 to be conducive to the best growth of the trees. One can readily recognize 

 these spots. Some orchards have large areas on which the trees are 

 unproductive because of lack of drainage. In a few orchards the trees 

 will never bring good net returns until the land has been thoroughly 

 underdrained. In planning the renewal of any orchard, therefore, the 

 problem of drainage should be considered. The drains are laid with a 

 view of draining particular parts, or, when thorough drainage is neces- 

 sary, between every other row. 



Thinning out the orchard 



In most of the older orchards in New York State the trees were planted 

 too close, generally 30 by 30 feet or t,t, by 33 feet. An indication of this 

 defect is shown by the interlocking of branches. As the trees continue 

 to grow they become more and more crowded for room and the branches 

 reach higher and higher for air and sunshine, thus forcing the bearing 



