CHAPTER XIV. 



IRRIGATION FOR THE ORCHARD. 



As in garden irrigation, it is advisable to so arrange 

 or lay out the tract that those crops which require the 

 least water will receive the least, and vice versa. In 

 other words, do not mix everything in planting, so that 

 the trees will have to be irrigated every time the small 

 fruits are watered. We regard this an important pre- 

 caution. However commendable impartiality may be as 

 a maxim of irrigation, it will be found unsafe when ap- 

 plied to the details of water distribution. Plant the 

 cherry trees, for example, where t>hey will get the least 

 irrigation. Next to them the pears and apples, although 

 the latter will need considerable water the first season 

 after planting. It is safe to say that a well-established 

 orchard would not ordinarily require more than three 

 good irrigations during the year. Some would do with 

 less, but this would be about the average. 



As to the manner of running water, we would say 

 that our experience leads us to prefer a head of water 

 just sufficient to send a moderate stream gradually along 

 the rows. This enables the moisture to penetrate the 

 s<>il more thoroughly than a rapid current would do. If 

 practicable, water should be run on both sides of the 

 row. This is especially desirable in the case of forest or 

 other trees on land that receives little or no cultivation. 

 On most grounds water is usually r;in along several row- 

 at the same time. Now and then soil is found that will 

 admit of rapid irrigation, or, as it is sometimes called, 

 sending the water alonir with a rush. .Hut this is the 



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