Guarding Against the Elements 
In planting Apple Seedlings we have found it neeessary to eover the seedlings with a 
ridge 3 to 4 inches above the seed. This prevents the seed from drying out until it has had 
time to sprout and also prevents the ground from packing in case of excessive rains. The 
seed cannot come through the four or five inches of ground—so we run our smoothers over 
the ridges—just as the seed begins to sprout—which levels the ground and leaves the sprouted 
seed within half an inch of the surface. If smoothed at exactly the right time the rows will 
show across the field on the following day. By using these ridges we guard against excessive 
rains and drouths and get rid of the first crop of weeds. 
Our smoothers are made of lister points which throw the soil both ways. The depth is 
regulated by using a prong on the end of the cultivator frame that carries the lister. The 
“rakers” follow these “smoothers” and clear off any little obstacles that may hinder the 
proper growth of the seedling. In the first stages of its growth the Apple Seedling is watched 
and tended with the utmost'care. No expense is spared to give it the “right start in life.” 
F. W. WATSON & COMPANY 
Apple and Pear Seedling Specialists 
Topeka, Kansas 
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