458 THE APPLE 



present time Wealthy and Mcintosh are probably the leading 

 fillers, although several years ago Duchess was heavily planted 

 and in some sections still holds its own. Kings are employed 

 frequently, chiefly because of the small size of an old tree. 



If apples are used for fillers, the plantings are seldom closer 

 than 20 x 20 ft. More frequently the distance is 25x25 ft., in 

 which case the diagonal system of planting is used, especially in all 

 cases where the trees are of medium or small size. Half the trees 

 under this system will ultimately be cut out, solid rows being cut 

 diagonally across the field. This system gives a distance between 



Fig. 193. An orchard in western New York 



General view of the orchard of E. W. Catchpole at North Rose, New York 

 ( Tribune Farmer) 



the permanent trees of between 35 and 36 feet. Another point 

 in favor of this system of planting which carries weight with the 

 New York farmer is that it is necessary to determine which of 

 two varieties planted together will ultimately be left. This gives 

 the owner an opportunity of planting one of the old-time varieties 

 and also one of the newer varieties, but it does not require him 

 to determine in advance which he will keep for his permanent 

 orchard. 



More two-year-old trees have been set than one-year-old. The 

 younger tree is, however, gaining in favor. The trees are headed 

 fairly low, about 30 inches being the average height, although 

 high-headed trees are common in some sections, particularly near 



