Apples. 15 



IRRIGATION. 



We group the following opinions on this important 

 subject : 



A. N. HOAG : Apple trees require only a moderate share 

 of water. 



J. N. CARNOHAN : Irrigate slowly. Too much water, 

 run fast, washes the roots bare. Remember, the ground 

 when cultivated is consequently loose and washes easy. 



W. F. WATROUS : My practice has been to use all the 

 water necessary to keep trees in a vigorous, growing con- 

 dition from the time they start in spring up to about the 

 middle of August. Then use no more water until late in 

 the fall. 



D. S. GRIMES : We have verified the wisdom of this 

 practice (Mr. Watrous's) by withholding water and cultiva- 

 tion in August from some rows and thoroughly watering 

 and cultivating other rows. The first rows made a fine, 

 heavy growth, ripening up their wood perfectly. The last 

 made a heavy growth, did not cease growing until Septem- 

 ber, and consequently did not ripen up their wood nor pass 

 safely through the following winter. I use but a small 

 stream of water while irrigating. You can thus soak the 

 ground thoroughly without washing the furrows ; but be 

 sure and remember that fruit trees will not grow in a 

 swamp. Too much water is bad medicine. 



J. C. WOODBURY : Many who attempt to grow apples 

 spoil their trees by irrigating too much. Water should be 

 used sparingly, from early spring until late fall, when plenty 

 could be applied to prepare the tree to go into winter 

 quarters. 



G. W. WEBSTER : Apply water liberally the first year, 

 say every week ; afterward every two or three weeks until 

 the trees are well established, when once or twice during 

 the season is sufficient. 



JOE WOLFF : Orchards should be thoroughly irrigated 

 late in the fall. No matter how wet the winter may be, it 



