Establishing the Apple Orchard 145 



mended, since it exposes the soil to the ameliorating in- 

 fluences of the winter and causes the destruction of many 

 insect pests and rodents. In the case of sod land, it is best 

 to plow and cross-plow in the fall, leaving the land rough 

 throughout the winter, working it up thoroughly with the 

 disc and harrow the following spring. When cover-crops 

 are grown to improve the soil, plowing is usually deferred 

 from fall until spring. 



Land which is to be irrigated should be leveled and care- 

 fully laid off with irrigation ditches prior to planting, 

 since it is not easy to effect changes in the contour once 

 trees have been set. 



NURSERY STOCK 



Apple trees are propagated either by grafting or bud- 

 ding, the former being the most common method. No 

 attempt will be made to discuss methods of propagation 

 since it is usually advisable for the orchardist to buy his 

 trees from a reliable nurseryman rather than to propa- 

 gate them himself. 



The purchase of nursery stock should receive most 

 careful attention. The grower should consult with state 

 or government horticulturists or with successful growers 

 in order to establish the integrity of the firm with which 

 he proposes to deal. The orchardist should buy only the 

 best trees, dealing directly with the nursery and avoiding 

 tree peddlers. The purchase of inferior stock is always 

 poor economy. 



All horticulturists do not agree as to the proper age of 

 trees to plant. However, the one-year whip is usually 

 most desirable, since it can be trained properly and has 



