spberries, which plan works
admirably. One mistake I made, however, was in planting a little too
close to the apple trees, requiring more hoeing around the apple trees
to keep the raspberries in subjection, which could have been obviated to
a large extent by not planting so closely. I grew raspberries about
seven years in this orchard. My returns after the second year brought me
$500.00 to $700.00 annually, and I sold enough plants to more than pay
me for all the labor expended on the orchard, to say nothing of corn,
beans, cabbage, etc., raised the first two years between the
raspberries. Now the trees are about ten years old and all bearing. I
have discontinued the cultivation and have seeded to clover, which we
usually mow and allow to lie and rot.

[Illustration: Residence of A. W. Richardson, at Howard Lake.]

I figure that outside the investment I have brought my orchard into
bearing with practically no expense, having had a revenue every year
since planting the trees, which are composed of Patten Greening,
Hibernal, Duchess, Wealthy, Peerless, Minnesota, Virginia, Okabena and
Whitney. My last orchard of 625 trees consists principally of Wealthy,
and trees are set 20x20, and I am following the same plan of growing a
crop between. The year 1915 makes four crops taken from this young
orchard, now four years old. About two more seasons will follow this
year, and then about the time for bearing I will discontinue the
planting of any crop and sow it to clover.

I plant one or two year old trees trimmed to a whip, digging a much
larger and deeper hole than is really necessary to accommodate the
roots, but I am sure this plan gives the roots a much better start than
if they are crowded into a small hole, and particularly if the ground is
hardpan or similar soil. Pinching off the buds the following year or
two, when you commence shaping your trees to your liking, is good, thus
eliminating severe pruning. I have endeavored to follow up this annual
pruning when possible, often being compelled to hire additional help for
this purpose, as the nature of my regular business keeps me from home
when I should be pruning. I am sure you will agree with me so far that
"fruit growing in Minnesota is successful."

Four years ago or more I decided that in order to receive the top price
for the products off my place I must produce a first class article, and
so to that end I have worked. I bought a gasoline power sprayer, costing
me a