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STEPHEN STOUT, Axtell, Marshall county: I have lived in the state
nineteen years; have an apple orchard of 800 trees twelve to fifteen
years old. For market I prefer Winesap, Ben Davis, Jonathan, Maiden's
Blush, Cooper's Early White, Duchess of Oldenburg, and Huntsman's
Favorite; and for family orchard, the first five varieties mentioned.
Have tried and discarded Willow Twig and White Winter Pearmain, because
the trees are not healthy. I prefer hilltop, with a black loam, and a
clay subsoil having a reddish color, and a northeast slope. I prefer
two-year-old, low-head, heavy, stocky trees, set in big holes, leaning
the tree a little to the southwest; fill the hole half full, and then
pour in a pail of water and fill up with earth. I have always plowed and
cultivated my orchard, but I will have to quit soon, as the trees are
getting too large. I use a stirring plow, spring-tooth cultivator, and
a harrow. Plant corn in a young orchard, and leave the stalks standing
all winter; cease cropping after ten or twelve years; grow great big
weeds in a bearing orchard, and plow them under in July. Windbreaks are
essential on the south and west sides of the orchard; would make by
planting Osage orange seed very thick, and tend well for three years.
For rabbits I paint the trees with a mixture of sulphur, soap and lard
the first fall after planting, then every alternate year for three or
four times; it will also keep off insects, mice, and bark-louse, and the
trees will be slick and smooth, with no place for insects to harbor. I
prune very little; keep out watersprouts, and let the sun into the top.
I do not thin the fruit while on the trees.

My trees are in mixed plantings, but cannot see any benefit from it. I
fertilize my orchard by plowing under the green weeds. I think a
vegetable mold is what the trees require; think it beneficial, and would
advise it on all soils. I pasture my orchard in the spring with sows and
pigs; think it advisable, and that it pays. Codling-moth troubles my
apples. I spray right after the blossom falls, and a few days later,
with London purple, for the codling-moth, and we are getting away with
him. For borers and other insects I allow the birds in the orchard, and
do not allow the boys to go in with guns, or disturb them at all. I pick
my apples by hand from a step-ladder, and pile them under the tree. I
sort in two classes from a long, wide, sloping board with sides. I pack
in b