238 
THE NATIONAL NURSERYMAN 
PREPARING NURSERY LAND. 
C. C. Mayhew, Sherman, Texas. 
The preparation of nursery land is such a simple matter 
that I feel there is very little to say that is not thoroughly 
understood by every grower. Still, on visiting almost any 
place in the country I am convinced that this important 
matter is not being given due consideration. 
It is first important that land be properly selected. 
Land suited to the particular crop to be grown should be 
chosen, and the selection of location should be made well 
ahead of planting time. Moreover it should be seen to that 
crops which precede the crop of trees, leave the land in good 
condition for early preparation. 
We find small grain the best to immediately precede a 
crop of trees, as it is out of the way early and leaves the 
land clean. Of course, where it can be done clover, alfalfa, 
or peas is better. Above everything else, however, have 
the land clear sometime before you want it for trees. Then 
by thoroughly breaking and harrowing you can plant when 
ready. 
firm soil for seeds of plants, and can plant as near level as 
you wish. A slight ridge makes the first cultivation an easy 
matter, clearly defines the row if you wish to cultivate be¬ 
fore seedlings are out of the ground, and leaves the land 
in much better shape than when we try to hold it perfectly 
level. 
There are a number of details that might be considered 
for various plants, but I have found the ones above 
mentioned to be of most importance in preparing nursery 
land. 
VISIT FROM W. VAN KLEEF, JR. 
W. Van Kleef, Jr., while on his annual trip for W. 
Van Kleef & Sons, Boskoop, Holland, called at the 
business office of the National Nurseryman, after visit¬ 
ing the Western Nurserymen. New York being his 
terminal he sailed for Boskoop the 14th of May. 
Your attention is called to the new peach, “Martin’s 
September” offered by James Cureton of Cureton Nurs. 
Austell, Ga. 
HERBERT B. CHASE 
Executive Committee 
J. H. DAYTON 
Chairman of 
Executive Committee 
E. M. SHERWOOD 
Executive Committee 
We have also found it quite helpful to run the tree digger 
ahead of the planting. This answers as a subsoiler and 
clears the rows of stumps, roots and grubs, which—if left— 
would be in the way at digging time when time means more 
than at any other season of the year. 
Running the digger ahead of planting, also avoids heavy 
loss in digging for when you strike a stump in a row of trees 
it means considerable loss in stock and waste of time. 
Another matter worthy of careful consideration in plant¬ 
ing is to leave out the objectionable land, and also to leave 
ample room at ends of rows for turning digger teams. 
This will seem a waste of land until you begin digging, then, 
you will not regret it. 
Still, another matter, and also important with us, is to 
avoid planting on a level. I have noticed greater losses 
from planting too deep than from any other cause. By 
ridging the land after the digger has been run, and har¬ 
rowing it down just ahead of the planting, you get moist 
THE SALEM CHERRY FAIR. 
At a recent meeting of the Salem Board of Trade the 
following committee was appointed tq take charge of our 
Annual Salem Cherry Fair: F. W. Power, C. A. Park and 
H. S. Gile. The Salem Cherry Fair is one of the best 
horticultural displays of fine fruit that we have in the North¬ 
west. It will be held about the 10th of July (date to be 
announced later). About thirty to forty cups will be 
offered as premiums and a large number of diplomas and 
other prizes. In connection with the cherries there are 
displays and premiums for general fruits, roses and sweet 
peas, and we desire as many nurserymen and florists present 
as possible. 
The Salem Cherry Fair being held just after the meeting 
of the Pacific Coast Association of Nurserymen affords 
eastern nurserymen the chance to attend both without the 
expense of two trips to the coast. 
