334 MITCHELL COUNTY, KANSAS. 



it is very essential to heave belts of timber around our farm 

 buildings and orchards for protection. Four years ago, in 1875, 

 I planted belts of cotton woods on the north, west, and south 

 of my oichard, and in 1876, one year later, planted 125 apple 

 trees, of about eight varieties. I have lost but three or four 

 trees out of the number. I plowed the ground deep and set in 

 rows twenty-five feet apart, and have cultivated well since. 

 Twelve of the trees blossomed quite full in the Spring of 1879, 

 and nearly matured quite a number of apples. The Summer 

 of 1878 the trees made an average growth of two and one-half 

 feet. The Summer of 1879, two feet. 



The varieties planted are Summer, Early Harvest, Early 

 June, Benoni, Winter Winesap, White Winter Pearmain, Ben 

 Davis, King, Stark, Missouri Keeper, and Jonathan. All have 

 grown well. In the Spring of 1875 I planted half a bushel of 

 peach pits. The trees have made an excellent growth, and 

 have borne fruit for two years. 



Grafted fruits have done well, as also cherries, plums and 

 pears. It has been my plan to cultivate all my trees and keep 

 them free from weeds, as they grow much more thrifty. Dur- 

 ing a protracted drouth it is well to mulch with old hay. All 

 small fruit, with the exception of currants, do well here. 

 Grapes are a success, when properly managed. 



STOCK. 



My attention has been given mostly to the breeding of 

 hogs and farm horses. After some experimenting I have set- 

 tled upon the Poland China breed of hogs as best adapted to 

 my purpose, owing to their large frame and early fattening 

 qualities. I breed almost entirely from old sows, as they pro- 

 duce larger and better developed pigs, which seem to fatten 

 and mature younger than pigs from young sows. Our brood 

 sows are selected from the most perfectly developed young 

 ones, choosing those of long and roomy frames, with square- 

 set shoulders and hams, short noses, moderate-sized, drooping 

 ears, and kind, docile dispositions. I keep only those which 

 prove to be careful mothers. I try to produce two litters a 



