= 2 
mencement will save much annoyance in after years, and it is no greater 
task to have the orchard neat in appearance and symmetrical in outline 
than to have it in a haphazard condition. ‘There are three objects to be 
considered in laying out the orchard: symmetry of appearance, economy 
of space, and facility for future care. Of course the first thing is to get 
the trees in straight rows, at equal distances apart, and every one thinks 
he can accomplish this. But there are various methods of disposing of 
the straight row, and these methods all have their advocates, and each 
one its advantages. The principal forms are the square, the quincunx, 
and the hexagonal or septuple. The methods most common in use are 
the square and the quincunx systems. The most generally adopted is 
the square system, as the orchard can be changed to quincunx after being 
planted, even after a number of years’ growth. 
PLANTING SYSTEMS. 
In order that the most approved planting systems may be better 
understood, they are illustrated to show how the orchard is first laid 
out, and how the trees look after several years of growth. 
The Square System. 
This is the most approved method. The orchard is laid off in lines 
crossing each other, with equal intervals of space, and a tree planted 
at each crossing of the lines. By the square method, at twenty feet 
apart, one hundred and nine trees are planted to the acre. 
Quincunz System. 
In this system the orchard is laid off in the same manner as for square 
planting, except that the number of rows are doubled and a tree planted 
in the center of every square. This method is chiefly used in planting 
with reference to a future removal of the center trees, which are gener- 
ally dwarf, when those designed to be permanent shall have attained a 
considerable size, and the orchard then assumes the square plan. At 
twenty feet apart, one hundred and ninety-nine trees are planted to an 
acre by this method. : 
Hexagonal System. 
In this system the trees are equilateral—equally distant from each 
other—and more completely fill the space than any other system can. 
Six trees form a hexagon and inclose a seventh. The lines in the figure 
(page 10) indicate the method of laying out the orchard. By this 
method, at twenty feet apart, one hundred and twenty-six trees are 
planted to an acre. 
Triangular, or Alternate System. 
In laying out an orchard by this system, the lines are run forming a 
square, as in the square system; a line is then run diagonally across, 
and a tree planted alternately, forming a triangle. The advantage in 
this system is that the trees are given more space, and can be planted 
closer together without crowding. , 
