142 THE HANDBOOK FOR PRACTICAL FARMERS 



In planting, fit the fine soil about roots, sod packed in next, and 

 subsoil on the surface. 



Prune oi¥ all bruised and broken roots. Cut the branches back 

 four to five buds from the trunk. Have the rows straight. 



Fillers of cherries, pears, currants, gooseberries and other 

 fruit may be used between the standard trees. Never allow 

 fillers to crowd or shade the apple tree. 



Culture. — Cultivate orchard (clean culture), plow in spring, 

 disc harrow after i^lowing and harrow surface soil frequently. 



Fig. 54. — A fine root system. Note 

 the bend in the trunk. This is 

 where the graft was inserted. 

 Plant so that the surface of the 

 ground covers about two inches 

 above where the bend starts. 



Fig, 55. — A very bad crotch. The 

 limbs should alternate so that 

 no two would be opposite. Note 

 the tag attached with a wire. 

 If it is not removed it will 

 girdle the limb. 



Stop cultivation July 15 to August 1. Do not bruise trees while 

 cultivating, wrap harness with burlap. 



Plant cover crop July 15. This prevents injury from frost 

 and washing, checks fall growth, adds humus and nitrogen, 

 protects the fruit, and holds leaves and snow. 



Cover crops. — Barley, 8 to 10 pecks seed per acre ; rye, 6 to 8 

 pecks seed per acre ; turnips, 2 to 4 pounds seed per acre ; buck- 

 wheat, 3 to 5 pecks seed per acre ; clover, 8 to 14 pounds seed per 

 acre ; vetches, 1 bushel. 



If companion crops of beans, squash, cabbage, turnips and 

 other late maturing crops are planted in the orchard, mulch trees 



