FKUIT GROWING FOR IFOME USE IN THE GKEAT PLAINS. 9 



SECOND SEASON. 



(1) 111 thorough summer fallowing. 



(2) In plowing 8 In 10 inches deoj) in llic fall before planting the trees, unless this 

 haa been done for a ])revious crop. 



(3) In opening furrows as deep as can be done with a plow where the rows of trees 

 are to stand. This should be done in the fall and the trees planted the next spring. 



In addition to oi)eninf;j a dead furrow w^here the rows of trees are to 

 stand, one very successful grower in this region during tlie fall digs 

 the holes where i\\c trees ai'c to l)e ])lanted, making them large and 

 deep. The furrows and holes catch any run-off that may occur (hn- 

 ing rains, and in the winter, where there is a considerable fall of snow, 

 they fill up with snow when it drifts over the ground. As it melts in 

 the spring or on warm days in winter additional moisture is collected 

 where it is most needed and soaks into the ground deeper than it 

 otherwise would. 



Under ordinary climatic conditions this method of preparing the 

 land should result in its being well supplied with moisture. Under 

 these conditions the trees should start into growth readily and make 

 a good development of roots. 



NURSERY STOCK. 



Only nursery stock of good grade and (juality should be used in this 

 region. In fact, it is usually poor economy to plant poor stock 

 under any conditions. It is difficult, however, to indicate just what 

 nursery stock of "good grade and quality " is without entering into a 

 more extended discussion of the matter than the limits of this paper 

 permit. 



Many factors need consideration in this connection. Varieties 

 differ in habit of growth in the nursery as well as when they reach 

 mature age. For instance, some varieties of the apple are weak 

 growers, while others are relatively vigorous. Hence a large tree of 

 a particular variety and age might represent in size a small tree of 

 some other sort of the same age. Some varieties are drooping, 

 scraggly growers; others make an upright growth. The conditions 

 under which the stock is grown as to soil, moisture, etc., and the 

 standards of different nurserymen are all factors which enter into 

 the matter. It may be said in general, however, that nursery stock 

 should be free from injurious diseases and insect pests, well rooted, 

 and well grown in every way. In many cases undoubtedly much 

 responsibility with regard to the suitability of the stock secured must 

 rest with the nurseryman who supplies it. 



Aside from the general healthfulnessof the stock, perhaps no other 



factor is of so great importance as that it be well rooted. If planted 



in a section where theie is usually an abundance of moistui'e and 



where other climatic conditions are favorable, poorly rooted stock 



23902— Cir. 51—10 2 



