PLANTING THE TREES 43 



is the size and shape of the given field to be 

 planted. With this plot as a starting-point one 

 can determine the best distance to plant and 

 the best system of spacing to use. Growers 

 are generally of the opinion that apples should 

 be planted about forty feet apart in permanent 

 orchards, but this distance is by no means a 

 fixed quantity. It may be varied in either di- 

 rection to suit local conditions and to accommo- 

 date dwarf or large-growing varieties. Not all 

 sorts of apples make the same size trees, nor do 

 all varieties have the same habit of growth. 

 It would be absurd to establish a standard 

 planting distance for Baldwin for instance, and 

 then claim that such a distance was the correct 

 spacing for Yellow Transparent. In the case 

 of the Baldwin we have a very large growing 

 variety with a natural inclination to spread its 

 branches over a great area, while the Yellow 

 Transparent is of a decidedly upright growth 

 and never even in maturity makes a large tree. 

 To give definite examples, I would say that the 

 following sorts demand the greatest distance 

 for planting: Arkansas, Baldwin, Banana, De- 

 licious, Esopus, Spy, Rome, Stayman and 

 Winesap. Even in this list are some sorts such 

 as Esopus which do not as a rule make large 

 trees, but their soil requirements are such that 

 they should be allowed plenty of space if they 

 are to produce the best of fruit. Medium grow- 



