i6o 
AMERICAN POMOEOGICAI, SOCIETY 
be thinned out, and in addition to this for a period of three years should re- 
ceive a very severe cutting back, following out practically the same princi- 
pie in pruning which was adopted when the trees were young. Every 
effort should be made to have a number of these shoots start from a common 
point on each stump. This stump should be painted over with, coal tar to 
prevent rotting for at least two seasons. The branches starting from a 
common point on the stump will develop the cambium layer much more quick- 
ly than a single branch would do. The stump, therefore, will be quickly 
covered, and the new growth will form a perfect union with the old, which 
would not be the case if only one branch were allowed to grow, for the reason 
that the development would be so much slower that rotting of the old branch 
would occur in many cases before the new union is formed, and the result 
in many instances would be that the union would be imperfect. 
There is no question in my mind that there is nothing which so con- 
cerns the profitable bearing of orchard trees as a systematic method of 
pruning, followed by a severe heading in for a period of say fifteen to twenty 
years as has been indicated. 
The Importance of Fertilizing. 
In addition to this, a systematic method of fertilizing should be follow'ed, 
the amount of nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and potash to be used, depend- 
ing largely on the condition of the trees. My experience has been that even 
in the matter of fertilizing caution must be observed to develop cover crops 
and natural growth where it will develop of its own accord, or by planting 
leguminous crops — not only for the purpose of obtaining humus in the soil, 
but with this particular crop, for the nitrogen as well. In sections where the 
pea family will not develop owing to unfavorable climatic conditions, rye 
or any other strong growing cereal will give the necessary humus to the soil, 
but this should be plowed under while in the green stage. 
There are many abandoned orchards in the United States which could 
be brought to profitable bearing by a severe cutting back of the trees and by 
giving proper attention to fertilizing and spraying, where insect pests are 
to be found. 
The progress which California has made in horticulture is largely due 
to the intelligent effort made by orchardists in maintaining their properties 
up to the highest standard by following out the plan which I have advo- 
cated, and I am of the opinion that there are conditions throughout the 
middle and western states, both from a soil and climatic standpoint, which 
are adapted to the profitable growth of many varieties of deciduous fruits, 
providing the growers will give proper attention to cultivation, pruning 
and spraying. 
