170 The Commercial Apple Industry 



lessly handled. When an expensive machine is operated 

 by men who have little interest in their work, it will rapidly 

 depreciate in value. Careless handling will ruin a good 

 tractor in a single season or even in a day. It is exceed- 

 ingly important, therefore, that care should be taken to 

 keep the machine properly oiled, and in good working 

 order. 



5. When a tractor gets out of order, considerable time 

 may be lost. Even with experienced operators, break- 

 downs may occur, and if a part breaks which can not be 

 replaced short of the factory, days may be lost. The prin- 

 cipal criticism which many growers have against the trac- 

 tor is that some part is always breaking and that it requires 

 considerable time and expense for repairs. There is no- 

 doubt that the average tractor has given considerable 

 trouble in this regard, especially when handled by inex- 

 perienced men. 



6. Where the fences are near the trees, turning at the end 

 of the row is rather difficult on account of the wide culti- 

 vating implements commonly drawn by a tractor. This is 

 more particularly true of the early tractors than of the 

 modern machines recommended for orchard work. In 

 most cases, if the tractor is properly hitched to the imple- 

 nient, the turn can be made into -the next row of trees. It 

 is seldom necessary, however, that the turn be made into 

 the adjoining row, since the work of cultivation can nearly 

 always be carried on just as well by turning into the second 

 or third row each time, following the same method as is 

 frequently used in cultivating corn in order to avoid short 

 turns. Of course in terraced orchards or those planted in 

 irregular rows, this plan can not be followed. There is 



