FRUIT TREES 185 
Fertilization. Use stable manure to keep the orchard 
in good bearing condition. Plow it into the soil, or if 
blue grass is growing under the trees, as it sometimes 
does in old orchards, apply a liberal top-dressing of 
manure at least once a year. An annual dressing with a 
Fic. 103. Chickens in the Orchard 
commercial fertilizer will be beneficial to any orchard. 
Chickens running at large under the trees will fertilize 
the soil and keep insect pests mm check. 
Pruning. Immediately after planting, cut off all shoots 
except from three to five branches, which are left to form 
an evenly balanced head. Also rub off all shoots that 
come out below the branches, and pinch back those 
