190 THE CULTIVATION OF THE 



Question 8. It has been proven late ploughing is 

 better, say after corn planting. When the orchard is 

 covered with dead grass, the ground does not attract 

 frost as much as ploughed or bare ground, therefore, the 

 fruit is not affected by frost as readily. Shallow plough- 

 ing by all means, and cultivate well, after several times, 

 until fruit is too large. 



Question 9. Some prefer manure in spring, and 

 others in fall, and potash in spring. Barn-yard manure 

 by all means ; if not to be had, then Potash and Bone. 

 Spread manure broadcast, as roots are all over the 

 ground. If Potash, drill it in. Some have an idea to 

 put manure and fertilizers around the trunk of the tree. 

 If in bearing, it is all nonsense ; but with young trees, 

 say I and 2 years old. it is different ; use from 200 to 400 

 pounds per acre. 



Question 10. As soon as the fruit is picked, I think 

 is the best time. You can see better what is needed. 

 We try and leave the middle open for the sun and air, 

 and cut all branches that interfere with one anotlier. 

 Trim close and hard. I would not like to risk hand- 

 thinning, as we find nature attends to that a little closer 

 for us, as there is no certainty of them staying on. If 

 there was I would say, thin. 



Question 11. I do. It is caused principally by 

 planting budded seed instead of natural. It is on the 



