published Extension Folder F-318 in 1962 on "Problems in Grov/ing Apri- 

 cots in Michigan," and their observations seem pertinent since there is 

 some interest in apricot growing in Massachusetts. 



Winter injury and breaking of trees at the bud union are cited as 

 being two problems that resulted in apricot tree loss. Young trees, 

 especially those from 2 to 5 years of age, are apt to make excessive 

 growth which matures late and, therefore, they are more subject to low 

 temperature injury during November and early winter. Mature apricot 

 trees are considered much hardier than mature peach trees and consequent- 

 ly winter injury is less of a problem on older than on young trees. 



To reduce loss from winter injury, one of the suggestions is that 

 young trees not be forced to make more than 2 feet of annual growth. 

 Excessive growth also aggravates breakage at the bud union. 



The publication can be obtained by writing to Michigan State Uni- 

 versity, East Lansing, Michigan. 



*************** 



HOUSEWIVES FOR APPLE PICKERS IN 1965 



Ben Drew 

 Westford, Massachusetts 



In common with most Massachusetts apple growers, I was faced with 

 an apparent labor shortage for the 1965 apple harvest. In 1964, my 

 crop had been harvested by 10 Canadians, 20 Florida migrants and an as- 

 sortment of local help. In 1965, however, the chances of again using 

 Canadian laborers appeared to be slight. To be eligible for the vague 

 possibility of again obtaining Canadians, it would have been necessary 

 to place all the available migrant and local help under the "criteria 

 regulations," to pay a very substantial transportation cost for the 

 Florida crew, and to endure other nuisance regulations of the "criteria." 



In late July, I decided not to apply for Canadians. To fill the 

 gap of an estimated 500 bushels per day of picking capability, I placed 

 a large advertisement in the Lowell, Massachusetts, newspaper. This ad 

 was aimed at the active housewife, who might have 4 hours during the 

 day to devote to an outside activity, and who might be anxious to earn 

 money as well as joining other women in an outdoor activity. I would 

 like to stress that the ad did not attempt to glamorize the job, but 

 stressed the realities of physical fitness. The ad asked them to come 

 to the farm on a certain day - - and on that day, about 40 women of all 

 ages and capabilities appeared. We took their names, carefully described 

 the job of apple picking, and told them that a training session would 

 be held in August. 



