ORCHARD DEMONSTRATIONS. 



By W. N. HUTT, Horticulturist. 



During February, 1908, several orchard demonstration institutes 

 were held in the apple-growing regions of the State to show the best 

 methods of pruning and spraying fruit trees. The meetings were 

 held right out in the orchards, where the demonstrators could actually 

 do the work and have the trees to illustrate what they were talking 

 about. 



The orchards in which the demonstrations were given were selected 

 beforehand, on account of convenient and central location. The trees 

 used in the demonstration were generally near a road, where they could 

 be under observation throughout the season, so that the results of the 

 demonstration could be noted. 



Demonstrations were given in the following counties : Stokes, Surry, 

 Alexander, Wilkes, Caldwell, Watauga, Henderson, Haywood, Jack- 

 son and Swain. 



PRUNING. 



The demonstration of pruning proceeded about as follows : 



1. The fruit growers present were taken through the orchard, and 

 the best forms of trees for commercial orcharding were noted. 



2. Those present picked out a tree which they desired to see pruned. 



3. The demonstrator outlined the method of growth in trees and 

 explained the reasons for pruning. 



4. The origin of fruit buds and their development were explained. 



5. Pruning tools of different kinds were shown and their uses ex- 

 plained by the demonstrator. 



6. The tree was pruned and the principles of pruning and the why 

 and wherefore of each step explained while the work was being done. 



7. The pruned and unpruned trees were compared. 



8. How to properly remove a limb and treat the resulting wound 

 was demonstrated. 



9. Different kinds of trees were pruned. For example, apple, pear, 

 peach, plum, etc. 



10. The pruning and training of a young tree was explained and 

 demonstrated. 



11. Methods of renovating old and neglected trees were shown. 



12. Tools were distributed to those present and trees were pruned 

 by them, under the direction of the demonstrator. 



13. A general discussion of the subject of pruning followed these 

 demonstrations, and questions were freely asked and answered. 



