FRUITS RETURN LIBERAL PROFITS 181 



create moist and cool soil conditions, and to encourage 

 a free root establishment. The mulch material should 

 be occasionally stirred and no weed or grass growth 

 should be permitted to accumulate. 



Where mulching material is not available, a frequent 

 earth mulch should be given by constantly stirring the 

 soil within a few feet of the trees. In addition to mulch- 

 ing it will be beneficial to spray young trees with water, 

 particularly on hot or windy days. 



Many of our orchard soils are rich chemically in nitro- 

 gen, phosphorus and potassium, but oftentimes lack 

 humus. By humus we mean the completely decayed or- 

 ganic matter, which can be obtained by the plowing under 

 of some green manure crop, such as alfalfa, clover, vetch, 

 oats, rye, cowpeas, soy beans, etc. Whatever care and 

 attention are given to young trees will be amply repaid 

 to the grower in after years, owing to the vigor, sturdi- 

 ness, and other qualities thus imparted to them. The 

 trees begin to bear about six years from planting and at 

 ten years should be in full bearing. 



In regard to overproduction, it should be said that this 

 is not a new question. Fifty years ago a pessimistic wail 

 was going up that the apple business would soon be over- 

 done, and would cease to be profitable. At that time, not 

 more than one-tenth as many apples were raised for com- 

 mercial purposes in the United States as are raised to- 

 day. One hundred years ago apples were but little raised 

 for commercial purposes; now, trainloads and shiploads 

 move from the orchards to our great centers of trade, 

 and across the ocean to England and other parts of 

 Europe. Asia is calling for our apples. Australia is 

 taking thousands of boxes of our best fruit, and is calling 

 for more. Our highest grade apples cannot be duplicated 

 on the face of the earth, so we have the world for a 

 market for our best fruit. 



Northwestern orchardists receive fancy prices for their 



