Details of Planting an Orchard 85 



dug. When the latter method is followed, it assumes that 

 the rows and the trees in the rows will be located mostly 

 by sighting over relatively tall stakes properly placed at 

 the ends of the rows, checking in both directions. 



On account of the holes or furrows drying out badly, it 

 is probably better not to make them too far in advance of 

 the planting. 



The use of dynamite in preparing the holes where fruit- 

 trees are to be planted has been much advocated in recent 

 years. Some of those who have had dynamite to sell have 

 been particularly enthusiastic in claiming advantages for 

 it. This method, in brief, consists in exploding from a half 

 stick to a stick of low grade dynamite, a 25 to 40 per cent 

 grade, at the point where each hole is to be made, the hole 

 for the explosive being made with a crowbar or some other 

 similar implement, usually about 30 inches deep and large 

 enough to admit readily a stick of dynamite of the usual 

 size. The explosion is effected by use of a percussion cap 

 and fuse as when employed for other purposes. The ad- 

 vantages commonly claimed for this method are that the 

 subsoil is shattered, thus making it easy for the roots to pene- 

 trate it as they grow ; it is pulverized, thus increasing the 

 area in which the roots may forage ; it increases the water- 

 holding capacity of the soil; it assists in soil drainage and 

 gives benefits in other ways, — all of these factors resulting 

 in a smaller loss of trees through failure to grow; larger 

 growth, earlier fruiting, and still other advantages. Also, 

 it so loosens the soil as to render it possible to dig the holes 

 for the trees with a spade alone, no pick or other implement 

 for lightening the soil being necessary, and thus materially 

 lessening the labor and expense of excavating where the trees 

 are to stand. 



