178 



ESTABLISHING THE ORCHARD 



larger place in some sections than others. In New York 

 and Ohio, winter varieties hold chief place. In southern 

 New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland, they share honors with 

 Yellow Transparent, Starr, Oldenburg, Williams, and other 

 early sorts. In general, summer or early varieties are meet- 

 ing heavy competition from other fruits. Lists of varieties 

 for various regions are given under General Information. 



(d) Consider Picking Dates of Varieties, The greatest 

 rush of work in the orchard usually comes at harvest time. 

 Choose enough varieties to give a good distribution of labor 

 through the harvest season, but keep in mind that three or 

 four varieties for 50 acres, making possible quantity ship- 

 ments of each varietv, are much better than ten varieties. 

 With a larger acreage, or for a local and special trade, the 

 number might be increased. A common mistake of the be- 

 ginner is to select too many varieties. 



(e) Consider Importance of Cross-Pollination, Some 

 varieties are self-sterile. Some varieties are intersterile, that 

 is, the pollen of one variety will not fertilize the blossoms of 

 the other variety. Other factors, including the weather at 

 blossoming time, enter in. The matter is presented fully in 

 Chapter VIII, ^Tollination." It is only necessary to say 

 here that it is not advisable to plant a single variety in a large 

 block. It is not necessary or desirable to mix varieties in the 

 row. Plant several rows of a single variety, probably not 

 less than two or more than four, and alternate with at least 

 one row of another variety of the same, or an overlapping, 

 blooming period. 



6. Determining Planting Distances and Planting Plan. 

 The grower should plant his trees at such distances that they 

 may have the opportunity for development in accordance 

 with the best known standards and that he may carry on the 

 necessary orchard operations to advantage. He should fol- 

 low a planting plan or arrangement that will conserve the use 

 of his land, or that will give greatest economy and eiBSciency 

 in care and management. 



