FRUIT GROWING ON THE FARM 



271 



successfully rejuvenated by dynamiting the ground about 

 the old trees. If it is not practical to do this, the next best 

 method is to use the mulch system : cut all grass, hay, weeds, 

 etc., and pile with strawy manure under the limbs of the 

 trees. This will help to retain the moisture and, by its .decay, 

 fertilize the soil. 



Top-working the old orchard. Often the old apple trees 

 are not of a very good variety, or there aie not enough 

 varieties to serve the best home uses. It is then possible to 

 graft upon the tops of these old trees scions from the desired 



FIG. 37. A. WAXING THE STUB 



varieties. The stock upon which the graft is to be made may 

 be from one-half to an inch and a half in diameter. This 

 stock should be cut clean and squarely across and a cleft 

 made down the stub to hold the scions. Scions from one- 

 year-old branches on bearing trees of the desired variety 



