244 ANNUAL REPORT 



the north are, as a rule, covered with young timber, while those 

 directly opposite will be almost destitute of vegetation. Trees 

 transplanted from a nursery cannot be expected to possess superior 

 constitutions to oaks indigenous to the soil. 



In the one instance the lay of the land is directly from the hot 

 rays of the sun, which proves the colder the location, the more 

 favorable to the development of timber, and consequently the more 

 desirable for orcharding purposes. In explanation of this seeming 

 paradox, we would state what is familiar to every practical fruit 

 grower, that injury to fruit trees from the effects of climate, is 

 invariably found upon examination to be the direct result of the 

 hot rays of the sun in the latter part of the winter, stimulating a 

 flow of sap during the day, which freezing at night ruptures the 

 sap cells and bark, thus impairing the structures of the tree, 

 destroying its functions and leaving it an easy prey to decay. 



The most tender varieties will be found to do well if planted in 

 close vicinity to and on the north side of a high board fence, run- 

 ning east and west, while the hardiest varieties would prove abso- 

 lute failures planted ten feet away, and on the south side. Is not 

 this proof conclusive? 



Fiom the above, the inference should be drawn that hill sides 

 facing the north are naturally adapted to the ends in view. There 

 is not a farm in the Northwest, that some particular spot does not 

 offer special advantages in the matter of location. A very slight 

 slope to the north may furnish the mean between moderate suc- 

 cess and total failure. 



Having used our best judgment in the selection of location, 

 preparation of soil is the next in order. This can best be done by 

 repeated deep plowing and successive harrowing until the sod is 

 completely decomposed, and the land in fine garden condition. 



Apple trees should be set six'teen feet apart each way, in 

 rows running north and south. It adds to the general effect in 

 neatness to place the trees directly in line. This can be readily 

 done by means of stakes set sixteen feet apart in the outside rows. 

 By sighting through each way the exact location of each tree can 

 be determined. 



Cherries and pears require the most advantageous locations, 

 not being nearly so hardy as apples. They should be set the same 

 distance apart. Plums admit of closer planting. If it is desired to 

 obtain the advantages of the group system in setting a plum orch- 

 ard, proceed as follows: For each thirteen trees mark a plat forty 

 (40) feet square, set a stake at each corner and one in the exact 



