THE MONTHLY BULLETIN". 385 



into the hole carelessly, the roots will all be crowded together to the 

 detriment of the future growth of the tree. Head the tree back to 

 within from 1^ to 2 feet from the ground. As good a system in securing 

 the measurement for the heading of a young tree is to cut at a point 

 which measures a trifle above your knee cap. 



The most careful consideratioji should be given to the question of 

 pruning, and here again judgment must be used. Eemember you are 

 going to produce fruit for a profit and not wood. At the end of the 

 first year you can commence to mould your tree into shape. About four 

 main limbs from the trunk should l)e alloM^ed to grow and develop. 

 These limbs should be trained through pruning so that the center of your 

 tree is left open for sunshine, air and the development of fruit produc- 

 ing twigs. Judgment must be used as to the number of branches and 

 laterals which are allowed to grow from the main limb. By proper 

 pruning it is possible to bring a young prune orchard into producing 

 from 1,000 to 2,000 pounds of fruit per acre at the end of the fifth 

 year; at the end of the sixth year from 2,000 to 5,000 pounds of fruit 

 to the acre. From that time on there is a gradual and steady increase 

 in production as the tree ages. The inside twig wood will be the first 

 to produce. Many growers make the mistake of pruning their orchards 

 only once in every three or four years. A prune orchard should be 

 pruned, not less than every other year, and the grower who trims his 

 orchard each year secures the most satisfactory results. Strive to 

 keep new wood growing and renewing the tree. 



Through the spring and early summer months cultivate the ground 

 frequently. Plow first and follow with a harrow, spring-tooth harrow 

 (which is an excellent implement for leveling the ground), disc harrow 

 or cultivator. Finish your cultivating by leaving the ground well pul- 

 verized and smooth for the pickers. In the Santa Clara valley deep 

 fall plowing has been resorted to by many with great success. It has 

 been found that deep fall plowing- — from 9 to 11 inches — following 

 irrigation is the best remedy against thrip — a pest preying upon 

 the tender young fruit buds in the spring months. Following the fall 

 plowing the spring plowing can be dispensed with if one desires to do 

 so. The spring work can then be carried on with a disc harrow, culti- 

 vator and other implements to good advantage. 



It has been found in all fruit growing that "Water is King." Fall 

 irrigation immediately following the harvesting of the prune crop acts 

 as an insurance for a crop for the following year, it being a tonic to the 

 tree. Through water, the tree is given additional nourishment after 

 having gone through the dry summer months producing fruit and grow- 

 ing wood ; and the young fruit spur is strengthened and becomes strong 

 and vigorous before the tree goes into the dormant stage. Water should 

 be used during the late spring months, thereby insuring the tree with 

 ample moisture and nourishment to carry it through the summer months 

 and through the producing period. 



Fertilization should be given serious consideration. The question of 



3— HB 



