100 Report of State Board of Horticulture. 



Select the best possible location available for the purpose. A mistake in 

 this particular is not easily remedied. The drainage and soil should be 

 good if good results are to be expected. Fruits will often color more highly 

 if a sloping piece of land is chosen, especially if it slopes to the south or 

 east. 



SELECTING THE TREES. 



Good stock should, be chosen — the best that can be obtained. Not the 

 largest always; in fact the younger trees are usually best if healthy, clean 

 and vigorous. It is poor economy to secure low grade stock simply because 

 first cost is less. 



Too much attention can not be given to the preparation of the land at 

 this time. Plow the land deep and see that it is thoroughly pulverized. 

 You can do good work now, which if omitted, you will not be able to do at 

 all after the trees are j^lanted. A little labor now will produce better results 

 than double the amount at a later period. 



SETTING THE TREES. 



Before setting the trees in the ground all mangled or bruised roots should 

 be removed. Sod should never be allowed to form in a growing orchard. 

 Keep running the cultivator at intervals of two weeks until the middle of 

 August, when the wood should be allowed to ripen in preparation for the 

 coming winter. 



Pruning and training are important factors in the success of an orchard. 

 The objects to be attained are a well-balanced top and spaces for the ad- 

 mission of air and sunlight to all parts of the tree, while still leaving foliage 

 enough to protect the branches from the direct rays of the sun. This is an 

 important matter where spraying is necessary. Much of the pruning may 

 be done while the trees are young by rubbing off the buds and pinching off 

 the tender branches with the thumb and finger. 



The proper height at which to form' the head is a matter of taste and 

 convenience. My own choice is about three feet. With the improved im 

 plements now in use, thorough tillage can be as readily accomplished with 

 a low top as a high one. No arbitrary rule, however, should be laid down 

 as to the height of a fruit tree. This' should depend upon the variety and 

 the choice of the planter. 



JUDD GEER, 



Commissioner for Fifth District. 



