THE KANSAS CHERRY. 19 



as the weeds start, running a little deeper each time. This gradually 

 deepens the earth around the trees as the season advances, and by 

 fall we have a deep, mellow bed eight feet wide and quite deep. All 

 weeds not covered by the plow should be cut out with a hoe. On the 

 ground between the rows plant crops that require cultivation, sach as 

 corn, potatoes, beans, etc. Corn is best, as it receives cultivation when 

 the trees need it, and atfords some protection from wind. The second 

 year throw furrows from the trees, and next to them, and so on, keeping 

 the ground clean and well stirred till the middle of July, when culti- 

 vation should cease for the season. Stirring the ground later than 

 this stimulates fall growth, which does not have time to ripen well, 

 and is liable to winter-kill. The third, fourth and fifth years culti- 

 vate as the second, and if the trees have been well cared for they will 

 have become well established in fruiting. After this, if cultivation 

 is not continued, the land should have each year a liberal dressing 

 of stable litter. Cherry trees must be kept in a vigorous, growing 

 condition, and if varieties adapted to our climate are used there will 

 be but few failures. 



It is generally conceded that pruning is a necessity, the question be- 

 ing as to the extent. The jjoints are : First, a low and uniformly shaped 

 head ; second, to facilitate the penetration of light and air to the inner 

 portions of the head ; third, to encourage and direct annual growth to 

 form a shade sufficient to break the force of the sun's intense heat 

 upon the branches and trunk of the tree ; fourth, to remove all chaf- 

 ing, straggling and succulent growth. It should be done mainly while 

 the tree is young, and in the spring before the buds break into leaves. 

 Succulent growth should be removed as it appears. 



Convenient ladders are found at almost any store dealing in hard- 

 ware or implements. As the trees become large and tall, the staging 

 platform is better. To construct this, two wooden horses are made of 

 a convenient height, and placed at safe distances apart along the sides 

 under the branches of the trees, and on their tops is constructed a 

 platform where one or more pickers may stand and work. These will 

 accommodate several pickers at a time, are movable, and easily shifted 

 from place to place. 



A crate, made of light but strong material, and of a size to receive 

 four common berry boxes, is suspended to the picker, adjusted to a 

 convenient position in front of him, relieving both hands for picking. 



A shanty or packing-room is convenient, and will also be found 

 handy for storing the fruit and to shelter the pickers from a sudden 

 rainfall. In this may be constructed a facing and packing-table. 



If for shipping, the best time to gather will be when wholly of a 

 light red color — approaching scarlet; if for a near market, a dark red 

 color. 



