238 NEBKASKA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



cultivation, the roots of the trees are not brought to the sur- 

 face as would be the case if the entire surface of the orchard 

 was heavily mulched and this mulch allowed to remain on 

 year after year. 



RABBITS. 



Rabbits usually do little harm to an orchard after it has at- 

 tained the age of eight or ten years, but orchards recently 

 planted and orchards up to the age of perhaps eight years 

 should receive protection. In our branch orchards we have 

 nsr-d about 25,000 wooden veneers. These veneers, costing |5 

 per thousand, can be tied about the young trees and form a 

 fair protection against rabbits during the first three or four 

 years after planting. If the veneers are of excellent quality 

 they may perhaps last four years. 



Where it is not convenient to secure veneers, we have pro- 

 tected thousands of trees by the use of cornstalks. Cut a suit- 

 able number of cornstalks of a length of 24 to 30 inches. Tie 

 top and bottom to the trunk of the tree. The gradual decay 

 of the cornstalk allows the tree room to expand, and it is 

 rarely necessary to take the trouble to go around and cut them 

 loose, as they will ordinarily rot out and drop away. We 

 have also used slough grass and rye straw. 



In case the number of fruit trees to be protected is so large 

 that it is not convenient to tie up each tree, then it is well to 

 remember that the rabbit has a sensitive nose and can be kept 

 away by applying a combination of blood, soap, and tobacco 

 juice, using a swab. Sometimes we have added red pepper, 

 crude carbolic acid, or any other offensive ingredient. The 

 use of a slight amount of flour in the combination makes it 

 more adhesive and less liable to wash off. 



The cheapest tobacco can be procured in the form of leaf 

 stems from the cigarmaker. We steep these tobacco stems 

 and then to that add the blood, soap, and any other ingredi- 

 ents convenience may suggest to use. This -uill be less dis- 

 agreeable to apply, if used while warm, otherwise it is a cold 

 job on a chilly day. 



