APPLE GROWING 



on the tree as long as possible in order to get 

 the best size and color. When the apples begin 

 to drop badly it is a pretty sure Indication that 

 It is time to pick. If the fruit is to be sold in the 

 local market or for immediate consumption, It 

 may be allowed to get riper than would other- 

 wise be the case. With most varieties one pick- 

 ing Is sufficient, but in the case of varieties like 

 the Wealthy which does not ripen uniformly, or 

 like the Twenty Ounce, which does not always 

 color evenly, two or three pickings should be 

 made. Two or three pickings are practically 

 always necessary where fancy fruit Is desired. 

 In order to get the ideal size, color, and uni- 

 formity. 



Ladders. — There are two general types of 

 picking ladders, the rung and the step ladders. 

 For large trees the rung ladders are the best. 

 They may be obtained In lengths to suit the 

 height of the tree. Lengths of more than 

 twenty-two or twenty-four feet become too 

 heavy and clumsy to handle, even when made of 

 pine, which Is the best material as It Is light and 

 strong for Its weight. In very old, high trees 

 extension rung ladders are sometimes used. 

 They are also useful for interior work but are 

 heavy to handle. Rung ladders cost from ten 

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