156 THE HANDBOOK FOE PEACTICAL FARMERS 



slope (see Farmer's Bulletin No. 917, United States Department 

 of Agriculture). 



Planting. — "As a rule, only thrifty, well grown, well rooted 

 one-year-old or June budded trees free from injurious insect 

 pests and fungous diseases should be planted.'' Plant in the 

 spring. Never allow the roots to dry out; heel the trees in. 

 Trees planted 18 x 18 feet, one hundred and thirty-four trees i)er 

 acre, 20 x 20 feet, one hundred and eight trees per acre. Plant 

 in straight rows and do not crowd the roots. Set the trees two 

 to three inches deeper than the nursery planting. Remove all 

 mutilated roots Avith a sharp tool. Prune back the head vigor- 



FiG. 75. — Wounds made in pruning. Left — Wound improperly 

 made. Do not leave stubs. Center — The proper place to make 

 the cut. Right — The properly made wound heals rapidly. — 

 Wisconsin Bulletin 269. 



ously after planting. Fit the finely pulverized soil about the 

 roots and pack it down firmly. 



Cultivation. — In general, peaches thrive best on land that is 

 tilled each year. Plow early in the spring and harrow the sur- 

 face soil so that there is a dust mulch. Stop cultivation about 

 mid-season and plant a cover crop of red clover, crimson clover, 

 vetch, or rye, oats, etc. No special commercial fertilizer can be 

 safely recommended. 



Pruning. — The principle objects sought in pruning may be 

 suimnarized as follows (United States Department of Agricul- 

 ture Bulletin No. 917) : 



1. To modify the vigor of the tree. 



2. To keep the tree shapely and within bounds. 



3. To make the tree more stocky. 



4. To open the tree top to admit air and sunshine. 



