PLANTING AND CARE OF THE ORCHARD. 51 



Irrigation of Fruit Crops. — In some fruit sections special care 

 must be taken to provide for the proper irrigation of all crops, 

 while in others water need only be applied in very dry seasons. 

 It is always advisable, if it can be arranged at a reasonable cost, 

 to provide water for such crops as strawberries and blackberries, 

 so that it may be used when needed. In some seasons a failure 

 of the strawberry or raspberry crop may be averted by applying 

 water at the right time. 



In arid regions where crop growth depends on irrigation a 

 careful study must be made of the needs of the crop and the 

 soil, and fhe time and manner of applying water. Outside of 

 the irrigated districts thorough cultivation of a crop is better 

 than irrigation, unless water is absolutely needed. Cultivation 

 should always follow irrigation where possible. 



QUESTIONS— CHAPTER III. 



1. How are varieties of fruits adapted to different districts? 



2. How may the varieties be classified in regard to their adapta- 

 tion? 



3. What general principles should the fruit growers follow in 

 selecting varieties for plantiiif?? 



4. How and wlien should land be prepared before planting fruit 

 trees? 



5. When is the best time for planting? 



6. How should the fruit grov>'cr select his nursery stock in ref- 

 erence to the hardiness, age and shape of the trees? 



7. What methods may be followed in setting out the trees? 



8. How should the holes be dug for the trees? 



9. What pruning do the young trees need when set out? 



10. What treatment does the soil need in a fruit orchard? 



11. What are tlie reasons for cultivation of the soil? 



12. What is humus? Oh what value is it in the soil? 

 1.3. How may fruit trees be grown in sod? 



14. What are the advantages of a mulch to a fruit crop? What 

 are the disadvantages? 



1.5. What is a cover crop? What are the advantages of a cover 

 crop? 



16. How may the advantages of cover crops be combined with 

 cultivation? 



17. What field crops are used as cover crops for the orchard? 



15. How much seed should be sown per acre in order to get a 

 good cover crop? 



19. Is it practicable to raise garden crops in the orchard? What 

 crops are best to grow? 



20. How is the orchard planted with fillers? 



21. What is the best way to get new fruit growing land into the 

 best physical condition? 



22. In what two forms is plant food found in the soil? 



23. What is the result of a soil too rich in plant food for fruit 

 growing? 



24. What is the purpose of applying manures to the land? 



25. What are the elements that enter into the composition of 

 the fruit crop? 



