APPLES AND ORCHARDS. 39 



in diameter. The second section consists of 100 trees, which 

 average five to six inches in diameter. The third section, and 

 the last planted, consists of about 400 trees, which run two inches 

 in diameter. Our total yield was 1,407 bushels. The total re- 

 ceipts were $1,233.86. The total expenses were $746.28, leaving 

 a credit balance and profit, not including interest and taxes, of 

 $487.58. As four acres of this orchard are not yet in bearing, 

 and four acres have just commenced bearing, the thirteen acres 

 which are in bearing took care of and paid for the work upon 

 the entire orchard. We believe that this expense more than 

 equaled the interest and taxes for the year. Two hundred and 

 forty-eight bushels of apples practically worthless for marketing 

 were sent to the pigs. This was a very large proportion of poor 

 fruit, the percentage of which we shall try to reduce the coming 

 year. The real value of these apples for conditioning purposes is 

 not known. 



SUMMARY. 



1. If thinning is necessary, pick those apples which are 

 scabby or misshapen, as they will probably go on the dump pile 

 anyway. If you are intending to sell the apples green, the best 

 must be picked. 



2. Estimate the amount of the crop the latter part of July. 

 Then order barrels sufficient to cover the estimate. 



3. Arrange with commission men, or others, for the sale 

 of the apples before they are picked. Reliable commission men 

 will do their best for you in marketing your fruit, but you must 

 get it to them in good condition. 



4. To avoid bruising, use sacks for picking in, or baskets 

 that are lined. 



5. Arrange for spraying. Have the material ready in 

 time and have the work well done at the proper time. 



6. Have the tables lined, sides and bottom, where the ap- 

 ples are sorted. 



7. Use a screw press for heading barrels. 



8. Face the top of the barrel with two tiers of the best 

 apples in the grade. Do not use old or dirty barrels for ship- 

 ping. 



9. A spring wagon should be used for hauling the apples. 



10. In Minnesota, the barrel is the best and most economi- 

 cal form of pack. 



11. Apples are the best conditioner for live stock that can 

 be found. 



12. An apple eaten each day will do much toward keeping 

 the doctor away. 



13. Utilize the waste land profitably by planting an or- 

 chard upon it. 



