LOCATING THE ORCHARD 13 



still contains the decaying roots of the forest 

 trees. 



The physical character of the soil often gives 

 us a clue as to its fertility content, particularly 

 in the case of clay and clay loam soils. Worn 

 soils frequently develop what is called a 

 "shotty" condition. A handful of such soil 

 will not crush smoothly between the fingers, 

 but will resolve itself into small hard pellets 

 resembling shot. In an ideal apple soil the red, 

 yellow or gray color of the clay base is always 

 tempered by the presence of a greater or less 

 amount of humus which gives the soil a darker, 

 richer color than that of the raw clay. "Where 

 the humus has been burned out of the soil the 

 raw ground color will glare forth its warning 

 note and old washed fields will always show 

 their worn condition as far as they can be seen. 

 The character of the soil can be more easily de- 

 termined in the spring of the year than at any 

 other time, but in any event do not buy an ap- 

 ple farm, or any other kind, when the ground 

 is covered with snow. 



The contour of the land for an orchard 

 should be carefully considered when buying the 

 site. Level land should be avoided as much as 

 possible in order to secure good natural drain- 

 age. An apple tree does not like to stand with 

 its feet in the water. It is not related to the 

 pond lily family in the least. 



