4S MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



then sell them to individuals who may desire them in small tracts 

 for homestead purposes. Fifth, to furnish sufficient storage 

 capacity to handle fruit with the greatest economy, and to hold 

 same many times until the usual fall glut in the market is over. 

 Sixth, the ability to convert the by-products of the orchards into 

 profits instead of losses. Seventh, to attract by judicious advertis- 

 ing dealers who are interested in the buying and handling of the 

 best class of fruit. 



The outlook for the still further development of the apple industry 

 was never more promising and bright than it is at present. Our 

 large towns are becoming cities and our cities are increasing tre- 

 mendously in population. Our chemical cold-storage houses were 

 never more perfectly equipped or better managed than at present. 

 These houses, in my opinion, are one of the most important adjuncts 

 of the apple industry, for without them it would be simply impossible 

 to extend the season of green apple supply over such a long period 

 of time. 



A few suggestions to the individual apple grower may be appropri- 

 ate and helpful. Where trees in your old orchard are too closely 

 planted cut out every other one. Remove all undesirable varieties. 

 Begin pruning at once, but extend this operation over several years 

 rather than try to do it all in one year. Seal all wounds with lead 

 and oil. Wherever possible plough and cultivate the orchard; 

 when this is not possible pasture orchard to hogs or hens. Accurate 

 data show that best results are attained where tillage is the rule. 

 Apply each year a reasonable dressing of stable or chemical fer- 

 tilizers. Spray your trees and fruit each year. It will add fifty 

 cents per barrel to the value of your crop. Graft and care for your 

 native apple trees. By care and attention they may be made a 

 source of great profit. In planting new orchards choose a few of the 

 best varieties. Plant on the best land that is suited to apple grow- 

 ing that you have. Buy stock of a good nursery firm and get the 

 best two-year-old trees obtainable. Prepare land carefully, as for 

 any hoed crop, space trees a good distance apart, prune back 

 severely, plant carefully, and then enjoy seeing them grow. Head 

 back trees each year as long as the top can be reached. Spray 

 each season when dormant with "scalecide" to control all scale 

 insects and to cleanse and invigorate the trees. When old enough 



