Orchard Culture — General Statements. 29 



preferably plowed rather deep once each spring as early as 

 practicable, for a few years, except near the trees, to en- 

 courage deep rooting, to thoroughly mix and crumble the 

 soil and to retain as much soil moisture as possible. Till- 

 age later in the season may be given with the harrow or 

 cultivator. As a rule, the entire sui-face soil should be 

 stirred once each ten days or fortnight while the tillage 

 lasts; but if the growth of the trees is excessive, to the 

 detriment of fruitfulness, tillage may be less frequent. The 

 cut-away or spading harrow is excellent for keeping clay 

 soils loose, and may be used after heavy rains. The spring- 

 tooth harrow or clod crusher answers well for lighter soils, 

 or after moderate rains on heavy soil. The smoothing 

 harrow is excellent for stirring and leveling the surface 

 and for maintaining a fine dirt mulch. All of these tools 

 should be provided when practicable. Where cover crops 

 are grown an annual spring plowing is necessary, but the 

 depth of plowing may be reduced as the soil becomes sub- 

 dued. 



All precautions should be taken to avoid injuring the 

 trees. Harnesses without metal projections, and short, 

 padded whififletrees are preferable. Special orchard har- 

 nesses that use no whififletrees are now made, and are ex- 

 cellent for orchard tillage. The plow should be turned out 

 two or three feet from the trunk of a tree. A single-horse 

 plow with a set-over beam is excellent for use near the 

 tree trunks. 



Tillage beneath trees with low tops may be accomplished 

 by spreading the halves of a double harrow or cultivator 

 with a long doubletree. 



33. High or low headini: of trees. Yery high-headed 

 trees are objectionable for several reasons: 



