HORTICULTURE. 



The objects of mulching are as follows: 



1. . To hold the rainfall and to conserve moisture. 



2. To keep the ground over the roots cool in summer. 



3. To prevent deep freezing in winter. 



4. To supply plant food by the decay of vegetable matter. 



The results of mulching are: vigorous growth, early bearing, 

 firm texture, and high coloring. 



Sod-culture is the method employed where little attention is 

 given to the care of orchards. The soil becomes impoverished 

 and is not in a fit physical condition for the production of fruit. 

 It does not afford protection from drouth and extremes in tem- 

 perature. 



Varieties of Apples to Plant. 



The difference in climate and soil conditions in the same 

 state makes it necessary to study the problem of selection of va- 

 rieties carefully for successful orcharding. The prospective fruit 

 grower should consult his state experiment station. For instance 

 the Ohio Experiment Station has determined that the following 

 varieties of apples are well adapted for Northern Ohio : Grimes 

 Golden, Jonathan, Baldwin, Gano, Stark, Soy, Rhode Island 

 Greening, Maiden Blush, Wealthy, Early Harvest, Duchess, Yel- 

 low Transparent, Baltimore, Liveland Raspberry, Red Canada. 



For Southern Ohio : Rome Beauty, York Imperial, Stay- 

 man's Winesap, Rawles Janet, Duchess, Wealthy, Grimes Golden, 

 Jonathan, Maiden Blush, Ensee, Yellow Transparent, Liveland 

 Raspberry, and Early Harvest. 



Three systems of arrangement. The following diagrams will 

 illustrate three methods of planting: 



Fig. 2. 

 Quincunx. 



Fig. 3. 

 Hexagonal. 



