THE EARTH'S BOUNTY 



out. If this could not be accomplished, the 

 bellows-smoker, which we used when handling 

 bees, was lighted, and a few minutes strong 

 smoking resorted to. Then, of course, the 

 crevice was covered with tar or paint. 



The long, straight suckers, which sprung 

 from trunk and branches, were all cut off, 

 close to their starting place, but no other prun- 

 ing was done this first season of reformation. 



While the trees were still dormant they were 

 sprayed twice with lime-sulphur-salt wash, as 

 a preventative or cure for the San Jose scale 

 or other pests of the same ilk. Just before 

 blossoming, and again after the fruit set, each 

 tree had a shower bath of Bordeaux mixture. 

 Of course, we extended the same attention to 

 the few pear, peach, cherry and plum trees 

 which grew at the side and back of the house. 



The season following all this sanatory work 

 was the off year in the orchard; but yet, the 

 fruit brought only $3 less than the season be- 

 fore. 



All through the year young poultry was 

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