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HOW TO PLOW AN ORCHARD. 2% 
and the crop is harvested early, no possible harm can re- 
sult. The best apple orchards I have ever seen yield 
remunerative crops of annual produce until the trees be- 
gin to bear heavily. The trees, however, are the primary 
care. I have no faith, asa rule, in the statements that 
fruit trees do not profit by cultivation. A farmer would 
not attempt to raise corn by planting it in sod and then 
mulching it, but many undertake to grow apple trees in 
this manner. The man who treats his orchard as he 
would his corn-field is bound to succeed. 
Returning now to the particular kind of crops for an 
orchard, we will select first those which demand good 
culture throughout their growing season. Among such 
crops are potatoes, corn and garden vegetables. I know 
of no better crop than early potatoes. The overturning _ 
of the ground at digging time destroys the late weeds and 
furnishes a good late summer stirring of the soil. In 
many places, especially at the West, corn is regarded as 
the best crop for a young orchard, as it protects the trees 
from winds and keeps the ground cool. The protection 
from winds is rather an imaginary benefit, as the heaviest 
winds occur when the corn cannot afford protection. 
All the garden vegetables which are harvested by the 
first or the middle of August are excellent orchard crops, 
and in many parts of New England, at least, they are 
profitable when grown in large quantities. 
