83 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 



WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2 P. M. 



Mr. Sckulta, of Upper Holt, read the following sensible and prac- 

 tical paper on 



CULTURE AND CARE OF APPLE ORCHARDS. 



The apple is our standard fruit in Holt county. There is no other 

 industry that pays so well as fruit cultivation at the present time in our 

 county. We can produce as fine apples in Missouri as can be pro- 

 duced anywhere in the United States, and with as little cost. We will 

 ahvays have a good demand for choice apples from the northwestern 

 market. 



The great trouble has been in buying stock. The farmers not 

 knowing the best varieties to buy, has caused a great deal of trouble and 

 work for nothing — there having been so many tree peddlers selling 

 trees that were worthless, has discouraged the people from trying to do 

 much. We should not buy trees from parties that are not reliable. 

 I think a tree swindler is worse than a horse thief. Buy trees from our 

 home nurserymen, that will be true to name and are adapted to this 

 county, then with good care you will be happy. Always buy first-class 

 trees to start an orchard with. Crooked, forked, scruby trees will not 

 make a good orchard. 



The best time to buy trees is in the fall, when the nurseryman's 

 stock is not broken — in the spring you have to take trees that have 

 been picked over. Get your trees in the fall, then you can set them out 

 when you are ready in the spring. Don't wait until you are sowing w^heat 

 or oats and have to stop everything to look after your trees. Prepare 

 the ground in the fall, by plowing well and deep; drag well with a 

 harrow to smooth the ground. Plant the trees 30x40 feet. You can 

 grow good crops in the orchards while the trees are small. Never plant 

 small grain in the orchard. Potatoes or corn is the best crop to raise — 

 any hoed crop is good that does not vine and run upon the trees. If 

 corn is planted in the orchard, mark off the rows each way so you can 



