462 



SUCCESSFUL FARMING 



early. Those branches in turn should produce not more than two branches 

 each for the general frame-work, after which the tree-head may be con- 

 sidered formed. 



Later Pruning. — The above work should be completed usually by the 

 middle of the third season. After this the pruning should be reduced as 

 much as possible until the trees come into bearing. A little thinning out 

 in the dense places, removal of the crossing or plainly superfluous limbs, 

 and an occasional heading back of the extra-vigorous branches will be 



Apple Orchard Favored by Type of Soil. 1 



sufficient and all that should be given if rapid growth and early fruiting 

 are desired. 



The fruit spurs should always be saved and also the early blossoms, 

 unless they become too numerous, in wmich case the fruit should be thinned. 

 A little fertilizing of the right sort will avoid any possible injury from early 

 fruiting and the early formation of the bearing habit is usually desirable. 



In all pruning, make the cuts close to the parent branch and avoid 

 trimming the limbs to poles. Also keep all blighting twigs off of the main 

 limbs, so far as possible, to avoid the formation of the cankers in which the 

 winter is passed by the blight organisms. 



Soil Management. — Where tillage is advisable, the most practical 



1 Courtesy of The MacmiUan Company, X. Y. From "How to Choose a Farm," by Hunt. 



