WINTER MEETING. 185 



of the clay hole, for that would be the very worst thing you could do. 

 As soon as troes are set place a wire, gauze around them to help keep 

 out the borers and to keep off the rabbits. 



If you plant orchard iu the spring plant between trees to corn or 

 potatoes, and hoe your trees after every rain or oftener should they 

 need it. Continue this for three or four years. 



To go back a little, you must know what varieties do well in your 

 locality, and know where to get the stock. 



Never buy from a middle man. Deal directly with reliable nur- 

 series. Have nothing but the very best stock. Don't allow the price 

 to induce you to take a grade below the best. 



Immediately on the receipt of trees heel them in well. If roots 

 are dry wet them and cover well up to the branches. 



When ready to set place trees in a wagon and keep it along with 

 those setting. Never take a tree out of the damp straw or earth until 

 you are about ready to set it. Always have two men work at the same 

 place. While one is digging the other can be getting his tree and 

 prune it ready to set. Four men can set from the same wagon. Don't 

 get in a hurry, for your trees are heeled in on the north side of the 

 barn. Take plenty of time or you may have to replant. 



I use a check-row wire, tying a red rag every 25 feet on it, and 

 stretch it as tight as possible over the draws, and I have the straight- 

 est set orchard I have ever seen. 



You must examine your trees well for borers before setting, for 

 even one can kill your tree at two years old. Then every fall and 

 spring examine again to be sure no borer gets in trees. 



After your orchard has started to grow you will have to prune 

 some, but never cut off a limb that you cannot give a good reason for 

 so doing. It is much better to prune too little than to butcher your 

 trees. 



Head your trees as low as you can get well balanced heads. I 

 prefer from 24 to 30-inch trunks. 



Allow no stock in your orchard, for it will not do. 



Keep much poultry and allow tenants to keep all they wish. 



Always have a good spraying outfit suited to the size of your 

 orchard. Keep this in readiness and have always on hand a good sup- 

 ply of sulphate of copper, Paris green and lime, for you know not the 

 day some pest may strike your orchard. The fourth year prepare your 

 ground and work it up to May 1. Get in garden shape and sow to red 

 clover, and harrow it in just as you would wheat. Don't stop cultiva- 

 ting your trees but continue to plow near them and hoe them well. 

 The hoe is the best orchard tool made. Keep the weeds from taking 



