96 



orchards even in the same township would give the same re- 

 sults, as local conditions and factors which cannot be con- 

 trolled affect the cost in many ways. It is surprising to note 

 the number of things which make a wide difference in the 

 cost of any farm crop, and it is only through a long period 

 of study whereby the influence of these variable factors can 

 be eliminated by averages which will enable one to draw 

 right conclusions." 



When we consider the large and long iime investment 

 necessary, the long and uncertain period of waiting for re- 

 turns, the skill required, and the many chances for loss we are 

 impressed with the necessity of carefully counting the cost. 

 "We see nothing in the facts given here to deter one from go- 

 ing into the business of apple growing, where other condi- 

 tions are favorable. On the contrary, they seem to us en- 

 couraging. If they warn us to a careful study of the prob- 

 able costs and success, and to be conservative in our orchard 

 enterprises they certainly will not have been given in vain. 



COST OF RENOVATION. 



It may be of interest to many to know something about 

 the cost of renovating old apple orchards. This is con- 

 siderable, though no greater than the returns usually war- 

 rant. The following estimates of costs have been carefully 

 made from records obtained on several farms in New York 

 State. The figures are per acre and are given both as prob- 

 able minimum and maximum for the first year. * 



Plowing $ 2.00 $ 3.00 



Manure, 10 to 20 loads at $1.00 or its equiva- 

 lent in commerical fertilizer 10.00 20.00 



Hauling manure average .50 5.00 10.00 



Priming and hauling brush 5.00 10.00 



Discing or harrowing twice 1.00 1.50 



Discing or harrowing 3d, or 4th time 50 1.00 



Cultivation 2 to 4 times 50 1.00 



Spraying once L. S. Material (Diltn. 1 to 9) 2.00 4.00 



