Contents. X ni 



to the aii Irrigating and flooding Spraying for frost Till- 

 ing Systematic evaporation of water in orchards. The 

 making of smudges Characteristics of a good smudge Ma- 

 terials to use Spraying the smudges An account of Euro- 

 pean experience. M a king currents of air Heating the air 



Use of large fires 92-121 



THE PREDICTION OF FROST. Records of frosts Frost 

 charts The psychrometer Finding the dew-point. . . 121-131 



CHAPTER III. 



THE TILLAGE OF FRUIT LANDS 133-174 



Evolution of tillage Apparently contrary to nature Com- 

 parison with the forest Weeds Neglect of apple orchards. 



THE PHILOSOPHY OF TILLAGE. Three main objects of till- 

 age. The texture of the soil Physical conditions more im- 

 portant than mere plant-food. The moisture of the soil 

 Drought and rainfall The moisture reservoir Fall plowing 

 Tillage to save moisture The earth -mulch. . . . 138-145 



USE OF THE VARIOUS TOOLS IN RELATION TO CONSERVA- 

 TION OF MOISTURE. Plowing to save moisture The test of 

 good plowing. Harrowing to save moisture The spring- 

 tooth harrow The acme harrow The disc harrows The 

 smoothing harrows. Cultivators and conservation of mois- 

 ture Level culture vs. ridge culture. The roller in its 

 relation to soil moisture Difficulty of using the roller prop- 

 erly -Its relation to seeding- Should be followed by tillage . 145-154 



SUGGESTIONS FOR THE TILLING OF FRUIT LANDS. Drain- 

 ing Subsoiling Preliminary preparation of land for fruit 

 plantations The plowing of the orchard Level culture 

 The tools Harnesses The tillage in the early and late years 

 of the orchard. Specific remarks I, Begin to till when the 

 orchard is planted, and till the entire surface The deep root- 

 ing of trees 2, Tillage should be begun early in the season, 

 in orchards The early growth of trees 3, Tillage should 

 generally be stopped in late summer or very early fall 4, Till 

 in such manner that the land may be in uniform fine tilth 

 5, Tillage may be overdone Too rapid growth .... . . 154-169 



