THE APPLE 



37 



any of the above mentioned tools, for careless or un- 

 skilled men will often do more injury in an hour than 

 can be repaired in years of time. 



TUHF CULTDEE 



In nearly every ajDple growing State of the Union 

 there are thousands upon thousands of acres of land 

 too rough and stony to be cultivated and upon which 

 may often be found large apple trees remarkable for 

 their vigor and productiveness. The fruit produced 

 upon such land is noted for its high color, rich flavor 

 and long keeping qualities. Much of this land is almost 

 worthless for any 

 other purpose 

 than forestry and 

 the production of 

 apples ; and if 

 properly planted 

 with apple trees 

 and cared for, it 

 would, in a few 

 years, give a 

 large income for 



the investment. By this method, particular attention 

 should be given to the selection of the land, using good 

 apple land, to the preparation of the soil directly about 

 the tree, and to cutting and utilizing the material, such 

 as sedges, brakes, small brush, etc., that grows upon the 

 land as a mulch, to prevent the escape of moisture and 

 plant food that is being rapidly carried away during 

 the summer by such growths. 



The advantages claimed for this system are, that 

 the trees mature their wood earlier in the fall and 

 consequently are less liable to injury than where con- 

 stantly cultivated. The roots are protected from the 



Fig. 17— A Weeder 



