118 The Commercial Apple Industry 



called orchard projects, particularly those in which the 

 tracts are to be managed by promoters and turned over 

 to the purchaser after a period of years. The purchase 

 of slightly run-down orchards at reasonable prices has 

 often resulted in good returns, particularly when the 

 trees are of good varieties. The question of renovation 

 will receive separate treatment. 



Yields and varieties. 



Separate chapters are devoted to the discussion of yields 

 and to the selection of varieties. Before choosing a farm, 

 both of these points should be carefully considered. Re- 

 liable performance records over a period of five years 

 will indicate the relative productivity of different varieties 

 on typical orchards of any given region. This is a far 

 more reliable guide than to judge productivity by the 

 apparent size and vigor of the trees. A few well-known 

 commercial varieties adapted to the district are always 

 to be desired. Phenomenal yields occur at times in nearly 

 every region, therefore the average rather than the maxi- 

 mum should be sought as a basis for calculation. The 

 biennial bearing is fairly well pronounced in most regions 

 and the lean years must always be considered. 



Proximity to market. 



In years of low prices the marginal regions or those 

 remote from market suffer most keenly, since freight rates 

 consume an inordinate proportion of the returns. This 

 should not be overlooked when one contemplates buying 

 an orchard at a great distance from market. Exception- 

 ally high yields and excellent quality of the fruit may 



