28. THE ORCHARD. 



Every farmer should have an orchard. Fruit trees of 

 some kinds will grow wherever farm crops will grow. 

 Good fruit not only is pleasing to the taste, but is very 

 healthful as food. 



Orchard trees are grown by planting the seeds or the 

 pits of fruit. They need to be grafted or budded to 

 make them bear fruit of a particular variety. 



Planting. Fruit trees rarely grow and bear fruit well 

 unless they receive good care. They should be planted 

 far enough apart so that the tops will not shade each 

 other, and so that the roots will have sufficient room to 

 procure the water they need. They should be pruned 

 sufficiently so that the branches will not rub against each 

 other much, and so that the sun can shine in upon the 

 growing fruit. The ground should be manured to such an 

 extent that the trees may have all the fertility they need for 

 continuous fruit bearing. The soil should be cultivated 

 during the first half of the season while the trees are 

 growing. About midsummer, it is well to sow some 

 quick-growing crop, as oats, peas, clover, or vetches, to 

 furnish a cover for the ground during winter. This 

 tends to prevent washing, deep freezing and thawing of 

 the ground, and to save fertility. 



Insect Pests Orchard trees need more or less pro- 

 tection against harmful insects and fungi. There are 



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