356 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



My Prize Orchard. 



HENRY DUNSMORE, OLIVIA. 



In April, 1914, when I planted my prize orchard the land was 

 in a high state of cultivation. The rows were laid out north and 

 south, and east and west, and the trees planted twenty-five and 

 thirty feet apart. The land was staked off, using a stake for 

 every tree. After the outside rows were measured and straight- 

 ened the inside stakes were sighted both ways and driven into the 

 ground. 



The holes were dug three feet in diameter by two feet deep. 

 The hole was then filled with surface soil, making it sixteen inches 

 deep, ready to receive the tree. The trees were planted by sifting 

 fine earth among the roots and packing with the hand so that no 

 air spaces were left. After the roots were covered the earth 

 above the roots was stamped down with the foot as solid as it was 

 possible to make it. The hole was filled up and the stamping proc- 

 ess continued, leaving the top soil loose and slightly below the 

 level of the ground. 



During the summer the trees were cultivated once a week 

 until the middle of July, when cultivation ceased. The trees have 

 made a very good growth, and all are alive. No blight has ap- 

 peared among them. With two exceptions the trees are in per- 

 fect health. Canker spots appeared on the trunks of two trees, 

 buf the diseased parts have been cut out and the wounds sealed 

 over with grafting wax. A light mulch of coarse litter spread 

 about the roots and kept four inches clear from the trunk has 

 been applied each winter since planting. In 1914 vegetables of 

 different kinds were grown between the rows : in 1915, potatoes ; 

 in 1916, navy beans, which proved to be the most profitable acre 

 on the farm, yielding a net profit of $60.00. 



The Honey Dew Muskmelon. — The Honey Dew muskmelon attracted 

 considerable attention on our markets last season, and a few growers have 

 been contemplating planting in quantity. The Honey Dew is of the semi- 

 Casaba type; in fact, it is said to be a cross between the Casaba and the 

 Colorado Netted Gem. The Casaba requires too long a season to be grown 

 successfully in our climate. The few tests which were made of the Honey 

 Dew last year indicate that this variety also requires a long season. If the 

 plants are started in dirt bands, a longer season can be provided than normal 

 and by this means there is a possibility that the Honey Dew can be grown 

 successfully here. In view of the doubts in the matter, growers are advised 

 not to plant this melon in quantity, but to devote their time and land to crops 

 of certain success and of high food value. — C. E. Durst, "Market Growers' 

 Journal." 



