ORCHARD FRUITS 59 



" The influence of the dwarf root of these trees 

 will dominate the stock very largely, even if a few 

 roots should push out from above the union. The 

 deep planting I consider highly important, for we 

 intend to develop trees of bearing capacity, hence 

 we shall increase their size, keeping them low, but 

 spreading out the side branches, giving a heavy 

 bush form. 



" In our first planting of a block of 200 Astrachan 

 trees we made this mistake, and at three years from 

 the time they were set, by building up the large 

 bush form, when loaded with fruit as they were that 

 year, we found them tipping over when the soil 

 was very soft and wet after heavy rains. As we 

 were anxious to make the proof of the value of these 

 trees for commercial planting as soon as possible, 

 instead of taking them up and planting deeper, we 

 had them heavily banked to hold them in place, and 

 think they will carry a full crop of fruit through 

 the coming season without difficulty. 



" In England and France the Paradise trees are 

 frequently planted 6 feet apart each way. The soil 

 is very heavily fertilized, and the pruning is very 

 close. With this close planting flowers and small 

 fruits are frequently grown between the trees, and 

 this is the reason for the very heavy fertilizing 

 done. We are planting the Doucin, or half dwarf 

 trees, 20 feet apart each way, and the Paradise 

 between one way at 10 feet. Another plan is plant- 

 ing standard trees 40 feet apart each way, and inter- 

 planting with Doucin dwarfs as fillers, 20 feet each 

 way. After working with this plan, I am inclined 

 to change the distances, setting standards 50 feet 

 each way, Doucin dwarfs as fillers 25 feet and 

 Paradise dwarfs one way at 12^ feet. 



