The Bullktix. ;5'J 



and wdiii (>u(, it is necessaiy to get liuiinis -.md |il:iiit food iiili> il. Tliis can be 

 done liy |PuUiiig' on st;ililc iiianuic! ami llio growing of coA'cr crops, sucli as 

 cowpeas, clover, and rye. 



Planting. — The best time for planting in the mountains is? in early spring — 

 some time during the moiiUi of March, depending somewhat upon the weatlier. 

 East of the mountains it is better to phuit, some time during the fall — ^in October 

 or Noxember. 



The distance apart to place tlie trees is a very impuitaiiL mutter. Trees are 

 usually planted too close. From 30 to 35 feet is a good distance for most of the 

 larger-growing varieties, 35 feet being better than 30. 



The hole should be made considerably largei- than is necessary to receive the 

 roots of the tree. This is especially necessary if the soil is very hard. The 

 upper () or 8 inches should be thrown to one side and the lower or poorer soil into 

 another pile on the other side; then in filling in this dirt, the upper richer soil 

 should be put in first so that it will be immediately around the roots. Before 

 putting in the plants the root system should be well ])i'uned ; all broken or 

 bruised roots should be cut off, and all long roots should be trimmed back. It 

 is not necessary to have the roots more than 8 inches long. Tliese should be well 

 spread out in the hole and the dirt tamped firmly about* them. After planting 

 it is necessary to prune the top so as to have it balanced with the root system and 

 to form a proper head. In many of the old orchards the larger branches usually 

 stai-t about 5 or 6 feet from the ground. This is a bad method of training. The 

 tops should be kept as near the ground as possible. It has every advantage: it is 

 much easier to pick the fniit, much easier to spray the trees, and there is less 

 injury to the trees from wind and storms. To form this proper head, cut the 

 entire top of the tree off about 30 inches above the ground, and it is best to buy 

 trees not more than two years old to do this to greatest advantage. Then the 

 branches wall start from the trunk below this point and the base of the branch 

 will always be within 30 inches of the ground. Many people buy trees which 

 are too old and consequently have fonned n head in t,he nursery row, which is 

 usually too high from the ground and badly shaped. 



The first summer after setting, rub off all sprouts which start and are not 

 desirable, leaving about four or five branches to form a head. It is well to have 

 these starting at different points on the trunk so as not to form a sharp crotch 

 in the tree, because there is great danger of the branches splitting off. 



Varieties.- — This question as to what varieties to plant is one of the most 

 difficult connected with apple culture. It is impossible to name a variety that 

 will do best under all conditions. The variety should be adapted to the section 

 in which it is planted, aud one that the gi-ower has faith in. The grower should 

 have an ideal as to time and kind of marketing. Then choose the varieties 

 which come nearest to the ideal. Some varieties — like "Bouum," "Winesap." 

 "York Imperial" — do well at a low altitude, while others — like the "Northern 

 Spy," "Jonathan," and "Newtowm Pippin" — do better at a high elevation. 



Never plant seedling trees. 



The following list includes the standard general market varieties which have 

 been tested and have given good results in most sections of Western North 

 Carolina: 



Fall apples: "Bonum," "Hoover," and "Rome Beauty." Winter apples: "York 

 Imperial." "Winesap," "Stayman," "Gano." "Limber T^vig," "Virginia Beauty," 

 and "Ben Davis." - 



The Newtown (Albemarle) Pippin usually does not do well except at a high 

 elevation, in rich, cool coves with a northern exposure. For general market, 

 plant few varieties. For local market, plant a goodly number, so as to cover the 

 entire ripening season. Buy trees from reliable nurserymen; beware of tree 

 peddlers. 



Cultivation.— The apple tree should be cultivated as thoroughly as any other 

 crop. This is especially necessary while it is young. If the hillside is so steep 

 that it is impossible to do this with a horse, it should be done around the tree with 

 mattock or hoe. Many people believe in cropping the oieliard; and this is not a 

 bad practice while the orchard is young, if the proper crops are planted. Always 

 put in a cultivated crop; corn is a good one. Never put in such a crop as wheat 

 or grass, which does not receive any cultivation. In planting corn in the orchard 



