RENOVATING OLD ORCHARDS 



should be selected at proper points about the 

 tree, headed in so as to develop their lateral 

 buds, and encouraged by the removal of all 

 other suckers to fill In the top and center of the 

 tree in the way desired. All such severe head- 

 ing in should best be done In the early spring. 



(2) Fertilizing. — At some time during 

 the late fall or winter twelve to fifteen loads of 

 stable manure should be applied broadcast on 

 each acre, scattering it well out under the ends 

 of the branches. This will amount to a load to 

 from three to five trees. In case manure is not 

 available, or sometimes even supplementary to 

 It In cases where quick results are wanted 100 

 to 200 pounds of nitrate of soda, 300 to 500 

 pounds of acid phosphate, and 150 to 200 

 pounds of sulphate or muriate of potash should 

 be applied In two applications as a top dressing 

 In spring, as soon as growth starts, and thor- 

 oughly worked Into the soil. This will give the 

 trees an abundance of available plant food, 

 which Is usually badly needed, and help to stimu- 

 late them to a vigorous growth. Such heavy 

 feeding may easily be overdone and should be 

 adjusted according to conditions and the needs 

 of the orchard. 



(3) Cultivating. — If the orchard has 



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