ORCHARD MANAGEMENT. 



WM. RANE. 



We must learn and realize that the plant has life and appre- 

 ciates good care and food for best results, like the animal. 

 When neglected it may not disturb us like the squealing of the 

 pig or the kicking and pawing of the hungry horse; neverthe- 

 less, its usefulness for best results is impaired and the condi- 

 tions that might bring success are impossible. 



With comparatively few exceptions our fruit trees are very 

 indifferently cared for. Considering their commercial impor- 

 tance they are one of our great sources of income. If we can 

 get so large returns for so little effort what may be expected 

 when we exert ourselves to do more for plants? An equal 

 amount of capital invested, care, labor and attention given it, 

 the average orchard crop will be productive of greater returns 

 than the same expenditure devoted to live stock in New 

 England. This statement is not made to disparage the live 

 stock industry, but to emphasize what may be expected in 

 orcharding. 



The varieties of fruits are discussed in Bulletin No. 105, NeAV 

 Hampshire College Experiment Station, and will not be con- 

 sidered at this time. With varieties selected, soil and location 

 determined, and the trees set in well-prepared soil we now are 

 ready to consider their care. This subject will be considered 

 under the following heads: 



(1) Tillage. Page 



(2) Plant Food (Fertilizers). 



(3) Training the Trees. 



(4) Pruning. 



(5) Thinning. 



(6) Spraying. 



(a) For Insects. 



(b) For Fungous Diseases. 



(7) ]\ inter Protection. 



(8) Picking the Fruit. 

 ^ (9) How to Keep Up Interest. 



(10) Partial Summary. 



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