FRUIT GROWING FOR HOME USE IN THE GREAT PLAINS. 9 
SECOND SEASON. 
(1) In thorough summer fallowing. 
(2) In plowing 8 to 10 inches deep in the fall before planting the trees, unless this 
has been done for a previous crop. 
(3) In opening furrows as deep as can be done with a plow where the rows of trees 
are to stand. This should be done in the fall and the trees planted the next spring. 
In addition to opening a dead furrow where the rows of trees are to 
stand, one very successful grower in this region during the fall digs 
the holes where the trees are to be planted, making them large and 
deep. The furrows and holes catch any run-off that may occur dur- 
ing rains, and in the winter, where there is a considerable fall of snow, 
they fill up with snow when it drifts over the ground. As it melts in 
the spring or on warm days in winter additional moisture is collected 
where it is most needed and soaks into the ground deeper than it 
otherwise would. 
Under ordinary climatic conditions this method of preparing the 
land should result in its being well supplied with moisture. Under 
these conditions the trees should start into growth readily and make 
a good development of roots. 
NURSERY STOCK. 
Only nursery stock of good grade and quality should be used in this 
region. In fact, it is usually poor economy to plant poor stock 
under any conditions. It is difficult, however, to indicate just what 
nursery stock of ‘‘good grade and quality”’ is without entering into a 
more extended discussion of the matter than the limits of this paper 
permit. | 
Many factors need consideration in this connection. Varieties 
differ in habit of growth in the nursery as well as when they reach 
mature age. [or instance, some varieties of the apple are weak 
erowers, while others are relatively vigorous. Hence a large tree of 
a particular variety and age might represent in size a small tree of 
some other sort of the same age. Some varieties are drooping, 
scragely growers; others make an upright growth. The conditions 
under which the stock is grown as to soil, moisture, etc., and the 
standards of different nurserymen are all factors which enter into 
the matter. It may be said in general, however, that nursery stock 
should be free from injurious diseases and insect pests, well rooted, 
and well grown in every way. In many cases undoubtedly much 
responsibility with regard to the suitability of the stock secured must 
rest with the nurseryman who supplies it. 
Aside from the general healthfulness of the stock, perhaps no other 
factor is of so great importance as that it be well rooted. If planted 
in a section where there is usually an abundance of moisture and 
where other climatic conditions are favorable, poorly rooted stock 
23902—Cir, 51—10——2 
