Cost of Production 



367 



An interesting chart has been prepared showing the 

 average distribution of man and horse labor on an acre of 

 bearing orchard throughout the season under intensive 

 treatment (Fig. 10). 



FIG. 10. Showing seasonal distribution of man and horse labor 

 on the average bearing orchard in irrigated regions. 



In specialized apple-growing, there are always long 

 periods of enforced idleness for both man and horse labor, 

 but particularly the latter. If plenty of day help is avail- 

 able at reasonable rates, this labor distribution is not so 

 necessary, but when help is hired by the month, \. is of 

 vital importance. If one were certain of high fruit prices 

 at all times, the small, intensified, specialized farm would 

 be justifiable and even advisable, for in such cases a high 

 quality of fruit is usually produced. However, there has 

 to be a provision for the periods of low prices and this can 

 best be met by diversification. That most fruit-farms in 



