t in diameter and three feet
deep; put black loam in the bottom for the roots. I plant my orchard to
potatoes for three or four years, using a plow. I cease cropping at the
end of this time, and mow, and leave everything on the ground. Sow red
or white clover in a bearing orchard. Windbreaks are essential on the
north and south sides of the orchard; would make them of maple,
cottonwood, or Osage orange. I have Osage orange on the north and a
creek with native timber on the south. For rabbits I wrap the trees.
When I see a black spot on a tree I hunt for and dig borers out. I prune
off all the interfering branches and watersprouts. I do this for fruit;
it pays. I do not thin the fruit while on the trees. I keep the
varieties together when planting. I fertilize my orchard by putting
stable litter a foot thick on the north side, which is the highest, and
when it rains the liquid from it runs all the way down and
fertilizes the trees. I think it beneficial, and would advise its use on
all soils. I do not pasture my orchard. It is not advisable, and does
not pay. My trees are troubled with canker-worm, and my apples with
codling-moth. I have sprayed with all the sprays recommended, and think
I have reduced the codling-moth a little. I pick my apples by hand from
a step-ladder, and sort into two classes--sound, wormy and windfalls.
Put the sound ones in the cellar; make cider of the others. I sell
apples in the orchard, mostly at retail. They sell the best in town in
the winter. My best market is in towns west of here. I have tried
distant markets, but it did not pay. I do not dry any. I store a few
apples in boxes, barrels, and bulk, in a cellar. Those that keep best
are Winesap, Missouri Pippin, Ben Davis, and Jonathan. Have to repack
stored apples before marketing; lose about ten per cent. The average
price has been fifty cents per bushel. I employ men at twenty dollars
per month.

* * * * *

F. A. SCHERMERHORN, Ogden, Riley county: I have lived in the state
thirty-eight years. Have an apple orchard of 4000 trees from twelve to
thirty-seven years old. For market I prefer Ben Davis, Winesap, Missouri
Pippin, and Jonathan; and for a family orchard Winesap, Rawle's Janet,
Missouri Pippin, Maiden's Blush, and Early Harvest. I have tried and
discarded Willow Twig and Smith's Cider on account of blight; and
McAfee, Snow and Lawver on account of shy bearing. I prefer rolling land
having a clay loa