The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1903-04-30
The Apple Orchard.

No particular kind Of soil is indiSpcn-
SADLY necessary for the success OF an
| apple orchard. But good. even
drained soil is Indispensable. Low. fiat
land. holding stagnant water below
tic surface. is not suitable for tree
growth. rs il tends TO the production
of soft wood. and the fruit will be
lacking in color and form. But fields
nearly level. if somewhat elevated. and
possessing natural or artificial drain
age. NAV be excellent for orchards.
Sandy soils are not best adapted to the
apple. as they seldom possess or long
retain the fertility that is essential. IT
is a good plan 10 test a soil intended
for IN apple orchard with some annual
crop. say corn or potatoes. a good
yield will Indicate that the ground is
fit for the trees. while an inferior cron
will show that il should be kept under
cultivation and we'll fertiliZcd until it
is brought into good condition.
Whether the previous treatment OF The
soil, in the sp:ing. before planting, the
orchard ground should receive lib
eral application Of barnyard manure.
or other fertilizer. followed by careful
plowing and thorough narrowing. The
best fruit growers consider 1t absolu-
tely necessary 10 till tine orchard
ground for the first three Oh four
years. to produce 4 thrifty growth OF
the trees. Without it. the young trees
Will become more or less stunted, and
The time of fruiting will be delayed.
During the first six or eight years GER
tain crops may be secured for the Ia
Dor expended. but the crop selected
should always be One that will re-
ouire or admit of cultivation. Hay or
grain crops are ont OF place in an Or
chard. Ii the annual plowing and cui-
tivation, Of the land has been properly
p9acticed in the yoang orchard, it IS
IN easy matter to continue the custom
after the trees begin to bear fruit.
Such tillage has great advantage
over the ordinary sod treatment. Til
!Scc should come III July. to insure
the ripeGing Of the newly-found wood
and buds. At this time some cover
crop, such as crimson clover, red Glow
e.. COW peas, or even rye, may be
sown. Such fall growth will add
plant food and improve the general
condition of the soil when plOwcd
down the succeeding spring. The best
trees to buy are those which are two
wears old from the bud. of medium
size, not stuntcd, with straight, stitf
trunks. abundant fibrous roots, and
free from insects. When trees are
taken from the nursery row, the root
system is reduced often one-half. or
even more. When the young tree Is
set out the top should be pruncd to
make corresponding reduction, other
wise moisture will be evaporated from
an extensive leaf surface more rapidly
than it can be supplied by the reduced
root system, and in dry time the
tree will die or suffer greatly. A dis
tance of forty feet apart is not any too
| much for such varieties as Baldwin,
Belltiower and Rhode Island Greening.
Varieties like Northern Spy. Ben Davis
and York Imperial, with less spread
ing heads. may be planted thirty feet
apart, or better. thirty-five feet. Prun-
ing of bearing apple trees requires
Judgment. 1t cannot be entirely neg
lected, but it may easily be overdone.-
| Coppocticut Earmar 49,.
| Sonhecticul rarnlei' .ia.A -
| Sold o Fox Skin For S35.