IRRIGATION FOR THE ORCHARD. 29 1 



should find a place in every orchard. In many respedls 

 it is superior to pears for home use and is very good 

 for marketing. There are but a few varieties from 

 which to seledl. The Orange is probably the best to 

 plant. The Portugal is a fancy variety because of its 

 crimson appearance when cooked. Two choice varie- 

 ties, known as the Van Deman and Santa Rosa, have 

 recently been introduced. A deep, rich soil, free from 

 too much moisture is the most suitable for the quince. 

 It does not require much irrigation. If over-irrigated 

 the trees will become sickly, and the leaves will take 

 on a yellow, deadly color. The trees should be pruned 

 so as to insure good crops and fine specimens. The 

 irrigation furrows should be opened so as to give a 

 downward tendency to the roots. The closest cultiva- 

 tion is to be given and the greater quantity of water 

 for a season should be applied after the fruit is half 

 grown. The quince may be planted in the apple 

 orchard and irrigated in the same way. A pound or 

 two of common salt should be scattered around each 

 tree in the spring. 



Plum. — This crop is best grown on heavy loam 

 soil or heavy clayish sandy soil, but will generally get 

 along on any kind of soil. Close planting of different 

 varieties together is advisable on account of the neces- 

 sity of complete poUenization. Native American kinds 

 make the best .stock to bud upon. The plum may 

 well succeed the apple for position in an orchard, as it 

 requires as much water, applied in virtually the same 

 way. The wild sorts may often be found growing 

 ^long perennial streams, with roots constantly in the 

 moisture, and these trees are always reliable for bear- 



