FRUIT TREES 



185 



Fertilization. Use stable manure to keep the orchard 

 in good bearing condition. Plow it into the soil, or if 

 blue grass is growing under the trees, as it sometimes 

 does in old orchards, apply a liberal top-dressing of 

 manure at least once a year. An annual dressing with a 



FIG. 103. Chickens in the Orchard 



commercial fertilizer will be beneficial to any orchard. 

 Chickens running at large under the trees will fertilize 

 the soil and keep insect pests in check. 



Pruning. Immediately after planting, cut off all shoots 

 except from three to five branches, which are left to form 

 an evenly balanced head. Also rub off all shoots that 

 come out below the branches, and pinch back those 



