AMERICAN POMOROGICAR SOCIETY 
106 
at least supplement the work of the teams and facilitate the early working 
of the land. But the use of the tractor in orchard work is an innovation 
and manufacturers have not fully adapted their outfits to the needs of the 
practical grower. Furthermore, prices asked by most manufacturers are 
considered prohibitive by the average orchardist. A tractor for use over 
rolling or hilly land, among low headed, closely planted trees, should be 
built as low as is consistent with mobility, not over seven feet in ^width 
outside measure, short wheel base capable of turning in a very short space, 
not less than fifteen horse power and ought not to cost over ten or twelve 
hundred dollars. On smooth, level land a tractor of eight or ten horse 
power may be practical, not for hilly land. Any tractor not overloaded 
will pull a disc harrow or set of gang plows over level land; but the real 
test comes when a grade isi encountered or when a short turn is to be 
made from one tree row to another. If the engine has not sufficient power, 
the disc harrow must be straightened so that it will not cut in or the 
plows thrown out in order that the engine can make the rise. This leaves 
a plot of ground unworked, to say nothing of the trouble and delay occasioned 
in changing and readjusting the harrow or plows. If the outfit cannot be 
turned in a very short space great difficulty will be experienced in turning 
from one tree row to another and trees are likely to be damaged. Unless 
the tractor is low down, the branches of low headed trees will be injured 
and there will also be danger of upsetting on hill sides. A practical 
orchard tractor built along proper lines will unquestionably be in good 
demand. If so designed that it can be used for road work and for needed 
power in grinding feed, sawing wood, etc, it will appeal still more strongly 
to the average orchardist. 
Fertilizers and Fertilizing. 
The question of fertilizing deserves careful consideration on the part 
of the orchardist, particularly if his orchards are located on thin soils. 
Stable manure is usually out of the question, as the manure made from the 
working stock on the average fruit farm does not go far, even when 
applied only in small quantities about each tree. Usually the cost of 
stock-yard or stable manure shipped by rail is prohibitive by the time freight 
and cost of hauling from the railroad are added to the original cost. Feed- 
ing cattle during the winter months is not satisfactory when the orchardist 
has all his feed to buy. Cover cropsl help out greatly but do not afford 
sufficient plant food for a bearing peach or apple orchard. Commercial 
fertilizers must therefore be relied upon to a considerable extent. It will 
usually be found to the grower’s advantage to purchase needed materials 
and do hisi own mixing. How shall the orchardist determine what materials 
are needed and in what proportion to apply them? There is no surer way 
than by making a test in his own orchard. Unless this is done, or unless 
the grower has knowledge of a test under conditions similar to his own, 
there is considerable danger of spending money for materials that are 
not needed. We have learned this truth by personal experience. For 
several years we fertilized our bearing peach orchards with a home made 
mixture, rich in potash, upon the theory that an abundance of potash is 
essential to the full development and coloring of the peach. Three years 
