Remedy for Unprofitable Orchards. 173 
If one wants to raise hay or grain, it is cheapest to 
grow it where there are no trees to bother. If he 
wants to grow apples or grapes, he had better choose 
some other place than a meadow or grain field. The 
use of clover and other temporary cover crops as a 
means of fertilizing the land is another matter, and 
is discussed in the next chapter. 
BS ex Most apple orchards are in sod, and growers are 
always asking if they shall be plowed up. If the 
growers of apples are satisfied with the crops, let the 
orchards alone; but if it is thought that better crops 
are desirable, do not hesitate to make an effort to 
obtain them. It is surprising that the disastrous fail- 
ures of recent years have not awakened farmers to 
the necessity of really doing something for their 
orchards. Now and then an enterprising man makes 
an energetic attempt and is rewarded, but the greater 
number continue to exercise the most thoroughgoing 
neglect and to bewail the failure of the crop. Yes, 
plow the old apple orchard; then fertilize and spray 
it. Or, if the roots are too near the surface to allow 
of plowing, harrow it thoroughly when the turf is 
soft in spring, and continue to work it during the 
season. If this is not feasible, then pasture it closely 
with sheep or hogs, feeding the stock at the same 
time. If this cannot be done, and the orchard is 
unprofitable, cut it down. 
When orchards begin to ‘bear well, the crops 
should be discontinued. Young orchards may some- 
times be summer-fallowed with the very best results 
if the land is hard and intractable. This fallowing 
