Soil-preparation 91 



notched bed-pieces, using the same-sized pieces, 2x8 and 

 6 or 7 feet long; let the cross-planks project 1 foot at each 

 end over the bed-pieces. If more weight is needed to fine 

 the clay lumps, the driver can ride the float, or weights 

 can be placed on it." 



SUGGESTIONS FOR THE TILLING OF FKUIT-LANDS 



The foregoing discussions should now be put into 

 practice. The standards of excellence should be well under- 

 stood and be constantly in mind, even though it is not 

 possible always to apply them as completely as one would 

 desire. 



Preparation of the land. 



Lands that enjoy perfect natural drainage are particu- 

 larly desirable for fruit-growing, because they are not only 

 warm and give up their fertility easily, but because they 

 also allow of very early tillage, which is an important 

 requisite in the management of fruits. If this perfect 

 natural drainage does not exist, tile-drainage should be 

 employed until the land is brought into the best possible 

 condition. Many hard and wet soils make excellent pear 

 and plum lands when thoroughly tile-drained. It is a 

 common opinion that only flat lands need draining, but 

 there are rolling lands in which the subsoil is high and hard 

 and holds the water like a dishpan. Hillsides are often 

 springy and boggy, needing careful attention in under- 

 draining. Judicious draining not only carries off the 

 superfluous water, but it also loosens the subsoil and allows 

 it to retain its moisture better in times of drought. An 

 attempt should be made to bring the land in the various 

 parts of the orchard into conditions as uniform as possible, 



