STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 247 



growth of wood, doing the work from May 1st up to and not later 

 than July 15th. 



These rules for pruning are based upon the supposition that the 

 nurseryman has furnished trees that have been properlj^ grown 

 and trimmed as nursery trees. If this be the ease, the tree will be 

 well branched and in future trimming the general outline of the 

 nurseryman can be followed, preventing as far as possible the for- 

 mation of crotches. Avoid extremes of very dense or too open a 

 top. A moderately close top stands the rigor of winter better, as 

 to a certain extent it furnishes its own protection. The best culti- 

 vation that can be given is to plant corn year after year between 

 the rows, as long as any can be produced. Mark out rows each 

 way four feet apart ; do all cultivating not later than July 15th. 

 Keep the orchard free from grass or weeds ; pick corn when ripe; 

 leave stalks standing to collect and hold the snow on the orchard, 

 and to shelter from the direct sun's rays. As soon as ground is 

 frozen three inches deep mulch again heavily, being careful not 

 to place the material in direct contact with the body of the tree. 



For perfect winter protection twist coarse hay into ropes an inch 

 in diameter and wind the trunks of the trees from the ground to 

 the crotches. Remove these the following spring to avoid afford- 

 ing a habor for vermin and insects. A very simple winter protec- 

 tion can be made as follows : Measure the tree from the crotch to 

 the ground, cut two pieces of fencing this length and nail together 

 trough shaped ; lean against the trunk of the tree on south side ; 

 these can be gathered up in spring and laid away for future win- 

 ter use. In case thoroughly healthy trees of hardy varieties of 

 apples and plums are planted and cared for in the manner above 

 described they will, beyond the shadow of a doubt, be a profitable 

 investment to the planter. Ample protection from the ravages of 

 animals must be provided, and injuries from teams must also be 

 avoided. 



The harvesting and handling of the fruit is a delightful task, 

 and is the golden fruition of the patient planter. 



Do not wait until the fruit is nearly grown before you begin to 

 thin the fruit. A peck of large, smooth, highly colored specimens 

 will sell for more than double the quantit}'^ of small, inferior ones. 

 The market is always open for fair-sized, green cooking apples. 



Provide adjustable ladders, and gather all fruit by hand. It is 

 tedious, but the extra condition of the fruit will well repay the ex- 

 tra labor. Avoid rehandling. For city trade, the bushel splint 

 basket, with flat cover is the besr; the size is convenient, and can 



