154 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 



various systems of arrangement in planting designed to simplify 

 cultivation and give the best opportunity for the tree to make the 

 fullest development of head and root system, and at the same time 

 make the best use of the land. In order that we may make the 

 best use of the land it is often desirable to plant trees closer than 

 they should finally stand and as a result the so called filler system 

 has been developed. This consists of planting an early bearing 

 and necessarily shorter lived variety of apple between the perma- 

 nent trees. Thus if permanent trees were planted at 40 ft. in 

 each direction and a filler system used, we should have 



27 permanent trees per acre 



81 filler " " " 



108 total 

 The great danger in this system is in the fact that the average 

 owner may not have the courage to remove all or at least a part 

 of the filler trees at the right time before any injury from over- 

 crowding may result. The filler trees must be removed by the 

 time the outer branches touch. And now let us consider the stock 

 to plant. Where shall we buy? Of the nearest nursery or of one 

 in which we have confidence. When shall we buy? Early; 

 preferably in early fall whether we intend to plant in spring or fall. 

 What age? Usually two-year-old trees of the better grades. 



In choosing varieties one should be governed by at least three 

 considerations; one's personal preference; adaptability of variety 

 to the region and special farm soil; and the demands of the market 

 in which one expects to market his fruit. 



And now concerning the planting details. When the stock 

 arrives, if from a nearby nursery, it will probably be in the best of 

 condition. If from a distance open and unpack at once. The 

 bundles of trees should be buried partly or wholly in the moist 

 soil. If the planting is to be delayed the bundles should be opened 

 and the trees well "heeled in." 



In this latitude and climate we should not hesitate to plant 

 apples and pears in the fall; but not the stone fruits. There are 

 in fact many arguments favorable to the fall planting, as dryer 

 soil, more time, the tree becomes better established and makes a 

 far better growth the first season. 



