ECONOMIC PLANTS 



251 



a low-headed tree reducing the cost of harvesting and making the in- 

 jury to windfalls much less. The low-headed trees are also more 

 economically and thoroughly sprayed. 



The Apple. Because the apple tree is hardy, bears 

 well, has many varieties, both early and late, and the 

 fruit bears shipment 

 well, the apple is the 

 cheapest and most 

 widely known of the 

 temperate fruits. It 

 thrives in nearly all 

 of the northern 

 states. 



The apple likes 

 a rich clay loam 

 stocked with lime, 

 but it does well on 

 a variety of soils if 

 well cared for. Sap- 

 lings two or three 

 years old are gen- 

 erally considered 

 best for planting. 

 They will produce 

 fruit in from two to 

 ten years, depending upon the variety. The time of 

 maturing and the keeping quality depend upon the 

 variety of apple and the climate in which it is grown. 

 Winter apples of the northern states are early autumn 

 apples when grown in Georgia. Many excellent apples 

 in one part of the country have little value in another 

 part where conditions or climate are different. It is 

 therefore safer to purchase nursery stock from nurs- 



FIG. 130. Picking Apples. 



