EXPERT OPINION 65 
apples that keep longer than on light loams, where apples 
naturally mature more rapidly, and consequently have a 
shorter life. This fact has led some to conclude that the 
irrigated apple is a superior keeper. On the contrary, 
where fruit is heavily irrigated, we find that size is 
gained, but flavour, aroma, keeping and shipping qualities 
are sacrificed. ... Before irrigating on a large scale, 
be sure you need it. Many times more thorough cultiva- 
tion is what is needed ; if you do irrigate, remember that 
the problems concerned with irrigating your fruit are 
vastly different from those connected with cereals, forage 
crops, or garden truck [vegetables]. You must know 
how much water to apply, when to apply, and. the action 
of water on tree, fruit, and soil. It takes less water if it 
is added in the form of one or two good applications, 
thoroughly wetting the soil, than if added a great number 
of times, but in small amounts. Again, if applied, say, 
mostly in July, better all-round results are obtained. At 
times one would be justified in adding water in the fall, 
but not as a general practice. Whenever irrigation is 
resorted to, it should be followed by thorough cultiva- 
tion. . . . Wherever land is irrigated it should be well 
underdrained, thus preventing the accumulation of in- 
jurious salts or acids. Irrigation has a tendency to pro- 
long the growing season, at times producing a secondary 
growth. ... Whenever this practice of late irrigation 
is employed, the twigs and buds do not seem to harden 
properly, and in case of a hard freeze they are liable to 
be injured, and the result will be a light apple crop.” 
The second authority whom I will quote is Mr. E. H. 
Shepard, sometime manager of the Hood River Apple- 
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