184 



THE HOME ORCHARD— APPLE, PEAR, QUINCE 



figure 109 or to have the furrows cross the orchard along lines that 

 are nearly level. Water is turned into the furrows from head 

 ditches as desired. 



One day or a few days after watering, the soil should be tilled to 

 conserve the moisture and to prevent baking and cracking of the 

 surface. A harrow of some type to suit the texture may be used 

 for this purpose. 



The soil should be thoroughly watered several times during the 

 growing season. 



Renovating Old Orchards. — On many farms there are old 

 orchards of apples and other fruits that should be renovated. If 



Fib. 109. 



-The furrow method of irrigating orchards and gardens, used in dry climates. 

 (Photo.by Gagnon, Wenatchee.) 



the trees are not too nearly dead, and if enough of them are still 

 standing to fill the area fairly well, they may warrant some 

 work and expense of renovating (Fig. 110). 



Steps in Renovation. — Four or five steps are necessary in reviv- 

 ing an old neglected orchard. 



1. Pruning is always necessary, but there is danger in pruning 

 too heavily at one time, for it may cause a very rank growth of 

 new wood and thus delay the bearing of fruit for some years. No 

 harm can come from cutting away all the dead or unhealthy 

 parts (Fig. 111). Beyond this do not thin the limbs too much. 



