Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1922-12-16

which would make them at least ESQ
years old. OF course, the original
trees may have died and others nav
nave grown up from seeds or roots.
That this has happened in some cases
is indicated by the fact ,thatN1nany of
the trees are double. as though two
20 had sprung UP and grown to-
gether.
Naturally much legend clings about
the old trees. but a scientific investi-
cation of them had never been under
taken until last SUMMER. 1t was in
ltated by a discussion between sew
eral government men as to how long
apple trees live. A plant patholosist
connected with the department .of
agriculture was especially eager to
know this, as it would shed light upon
a certain phase of his work. He said
that n Oldest apple tree of'which he
had been able to find any. record was
In an Oregon orchard and that it was
between so and so years
old. A forest service man told him
OF this apple orchard that had stood
for centuries, according to legend. @Ie
pooh-poohed the legend. The dis
cussion ended by the two mems
cllmbing into a car and driving, so
miles across the mountains to the
town of Manzano.
Trees Still Productive. "A
They found that the old orchard
stood in an arroyo or I dry water
course. No ono seemed to care for
1t. It got no water in that land of
perpetual drouth except what came
down the arroyo when 1t rained, TIL,
trees were badly in iced of pruning.
all OF them containing dead limbs, but
they still had vitality. enough to pro-
61lrQ q 0rnn ~ r,lo I'LL.
very small, but sweet and well-flay-
ored. ~
Like many another historical mon
ument in the Southwest, the old
orchard was rapidly perishing of reg
lect. With proper care the old trees
might live for a long time yet, and
they have great value both as histori-
cal-relics and as scientific specimens
i The priest at The Manzano church
was glad to tell all that he knew about
the trees. He was exceedingly proud
Of his order, but he had neither the
; ! time no the means to care for them
one OF the smaller trees had recent,
died, and he gave the scientists per.
mission to- cut it down in order tina,
they might count the rings Of annua
growth by which the age of.any tret
| may be accurately determined. The,
counted at least &c rings, in the sounC
part of the tree. the rest of them hay
Ing been ~obliterated by heart rot, bu
they felt sure the total was not les
than a hundred. And this tree wa.
one Of the smallest, some of the large,
ones being nearly 80 inches in dia
; meter. The scientists have marked
one Of The largest trees, which seem
to be: rapidly dying, as the next sub
sect Tor their investigations. No one
: of course, would wan to cut dow,
one of the living trees.
: The investigation. Of this, larger ire
may bring forth proof that here-an,
probably nowhere else in the world.
apple trees have stood for two cen
2 turtles. or more. What is the secro
Z OF this l%ongevityA Did the old Span
2 Ash fathers Perhaps have some kin,
e Of tree that would live longer tina,
2 any known to modern science? Th
! boosters with which New Mexic
9 swarms will tell you that the explan
alton is easy--it is simply the won
2 derful climate OF the country,
3 which the sick get well. the we'll &c
: better. and apple trees fiye forever.
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