CHAPTER XVIII. 



RENOVATING OLD ORCHARDS. 



It is no uncommon thing to see old neglected trees 

 standing in uncultivated fields, or, it may be, outside of 

 any enclosure, that could be renovated by proper treat- 

 ment, and made to bear abundant crops for many seasons. 



Fig. 75.— Old neglected tree. 



Fig. 76 —Old tree renovated. 



As it is the work of years to plant an orchard and bring 

 it up to profitable bearing, the time and attention are 

 well spent that restore fresh vigor to the enfeebled trees 

 and impart to them a new lease of life. The principal 

 cause of the going down in most of our orchards is the 

 want of cultivation and manuring. Begin with the 

 pruning saw and remove all dead, crowded or crossing 

 branches. Relieve the " hide-bound" trees by scraping 



