Methods of Marking Off. 93 
There are also forms of double squares and alternating 
squares available for planting at long distances, with growths 
between, which are ultimately to be cut out, or for vines between 
fruit trees. 
VARIOUS WAYS OF MARKING FOR SQUARES. 
Marking with a Plow.—This method was used in laying off 
some large orchards in the Sacramento Valley. A common 
two-horse turning plow is rigged with a “marker,”—a light 
wooden bar extending at right angles from the beam, the bar 
being as long as the desired distance between the rows of trees. 
On the end of this bar a crosspiece is fastened perpendicularly, 
so that it scratches along on the surface of the ground. The 
line of the first furrow has to be designated by a flag stake, to 
which the plowman proceeds. When this is done, the team is 
turned and sent back along the next row, the location of which 
has been fixed by the marker, and so on for the length of the 
field, the marker being turned each time to indicate the next 
furrow. Following the same course the other way of the field 
leaves the trees to be planted at the intersection of the furrows. 
Measure and Sight—Another method which is quite com- 
monly used and answers a good purpose in small plantings 
is the combination of measure and sight. The sighting stakes 
are usually plasterers’ laths pointed at one end and whitewashed 
to make them more visible to the eye. In the use of these it is 
necessary to measure the distances and locate the laths to mark 
the ends of the rows all around the field. Then locate a line of 
laths across the field each way through the center, these laths 
occupying places which the trees of these two central rows will 
fill. After these are in place, measurement can be dispensed 
with, and the job can be finished by sighting through. The 
man on the ends of the rows has three laths to sight by in each 
row, and the stake driver places the stakes as directed by the 
sighter. Good location can be done this way if a man has a 
good eye and patience enough. 
Marking off with a Wire-—A measuring wire or chain is, 
perhaps, the best means for getting accurate location of trees 
or vines. It is used either for setting in squares or in other 
arrangement, as will be described presently. Measuring wires 
are made of annealed steel wire about one-eighth of an inch in 
diameter. The length varies according to the wishes of the 
user. If it is desired to lay off the plantation in blocks of one 
acre, the wire should be two hundred and eight feet nine inches 
long, for that is approximately the length of one side of a square 
inclosing an acre of ground. But some use a wire as long as 
three hundred feet, when the acre measure is of no consequence; 
and others, in smaller plantings, make the wire just the length 
