480 PAGE COUNTY, IOWA. 



good state of cultivation for planting. I set the trees in rows 

 twenty feet apart each way. I dig the holes large and deep, 

 filling up with rich surface soil, to about twelve inches of the 

 top. I tlien place the tree, straighten out all the roots, and 

 pour on lialf a pail of water, then fill in with good soil, press- 

 ino" it lightly about the plant. I mulch with straw or manure, 

 to prevent the sun's drying the roots. I prefer trees that are 

 three years old to plant, when I can get them. I let the 

 branches start out about three feet from the ground. I do but 

 very little trimming with a pruning knife, as heavy pruning 

 causes black heart or dead wood in the tree. All sprouts that 

 are starting where I do not want them, I remove by rubbing 

 while the bud is small ; the wound will heal in a short time. In 

 the Spring I wash the bodies of the young trees with lime- 

 water or strong soapsuds, to prevent insects from breeding in 

 the bark. At the same time, I keep the land well cultivated 

 between the trees, until they are old enough to bear, then seed 

 it down, and keep it well mowed. This should be well fenced, 

 to prevent stock from injuring young trees. 



W. H. WIDNEY, 



CLARINDA, PAGE COUNTY. 



Location — Description — Horses — Cattle — Hogs — Plans — 



Hedges. 



MAPLE GROVE STOCK FARM. 



Page county is in the southern tier of counties, and the 

 furthest west save one. The surface of the county is undulat- 

 ing, and it is so well supplied with natural drainage, that but 

 little swamp or marshy land, is found liere. The land is very 

 productive, and withstands the two extremes of wet or 

 drouth well. The climate is very healthy and mild. It 

 seldom rains in Winter, and the atmosphere is dry. There is 

 excellent surface water for stock on almost every quarter 

 section. We have fine church and school facilities, and rail- 



