HOME PROJECTS 373 



Leave a loose soil mulch over the surface of the ground about 

 the trees. 



5. If the trees are planted in the fall, some mechanical 

 protection should be made against the rabbits. A roll of 

 common window screen about the .trunks affords good pro- 

 tection. Wrappings of burlap, cloth, coarse paper, or other 

 substances will serve to protect the young tree trunks. 



6. In the spring before the buds open the young trees 

 should be pruned. Leave the lowest branch from 24 to 30 

 inches from the ground ; cut back all the branches to 8 or 10 

 buds. Prevent forking branches, and leave a central branch 

 to rise above the others. 



7. During the spring months and as late as the middle of 

 July cultivate the young orchard, keeping down all grass and 

 weeds and providing a soil mulch. After the last cultivation 

 sow the orchard to cow-peas, soy beans, vetch, or clover to 

 provide a winter mulch and to enrich the orchard soil. 



Notebook records. Keep a map of the orchard showing 

 location and names of varieties planted. Keep a cost account 

 of all expenses incurred in the project, including cost of 

 material and labor. Estimate the profit or loss. Keep a diary 

 of operations performed in the orchard from the beginning 

 to the sowing of a cover crop in July. 



HOME PROJECT 18 

 PLANTING A CATALPA GROVE 



Select a plot of fertile, well-drained ground from one-tenth 

 to one acre in size to be used for growing catalpa. 



Preparation of ground. The little trees may be planted 



