6 



able orchard of a few acres, the fruit from which could largely 

 be sold in a local way. A small orchard isolated several miles 

 back from a main highway might, however, become a liability 

 instead of an asset. 



In all of the old peach regions it should not be difficult to 

 obtain information as to what exact sites and areas are espe- 

 cially favorable to peaches. There is no more important point 

 than the right "spot" for the orchard. Once it is planted, you 

 have made a decision as to local climate, exposure and soil 

 which cannot be changed during its lifetime. 



Cultivation. 



Cultivation is one of the requirements of a successful peach 

 orchard that must not be overlooked. Young peach trees grow 

 rapidly under good cultivation, but stop culture only for one 

 season and they make but little growth and soon appear yellow 

 and weak. 



Spraying, cultivation and fertilization are often neglected 

 following a winter when the fruit buds are killed by extreme 

 cold. Then is the time when they need culture as never before 

 in order that they may overcome the effects of the freezing. 

 If, in addition to lack of culture, the injured trees are left ex- 

 posed to attacks of leaf curl and borers, the end is in sight. 



Where temperatures of 10 to 15 degrees or more below zero 

 are likely to prevail in winter, the cultivation should stop 

 early, but it is, nevertheless, essential that cultivation be prac- 

 ticed. In some situations in northern districts only a portion 

 of the land between the trees is cultivated. This may be en- 

 tirely satisfactory, provided that sufficient growth and vigor 

 result. 



Fertilization. 



Peach trees that are weak in vigor cannot be depended upon 

 for either good or consistent crops. Cultivation of some soils 

 which have been put in a state of high fertility may promote 

 a sufficient growth of the trees for several years without further 

 stimulation, but under average conditions some fertilization 

 will be required annually. 



It has been clearly shown in recent years that nitrogen is 

 more often the limiting factor with peaches than either potash 



