bout $300--by the way, the first one in Howard Lake, although two of
us there each bought one the same spring, and now there are three power
sprayers in our village. I have demonstrated that it is possible to get
the top price of the market in more ways than one by furnishing a first
class article. You will ask me how it is possible for me to do this and
be away from home so much. I have been ably assisted by my wife, who
sees that my general directions are carried out as I have outlined.

This year we have marketed something over 300 barrels and have received
the top market price, netting me about $500.00. I tried out a new plan
this year, selling through a reliable commission firm. I have heretofore
sold direct to the retailer with splendid results. 1913 was a bumper
year and the market flooded everywhere with poor unsprayed stuff. I sold
about 250 barrels and received an average of $3.25 per barrel, F.O.B.
Howard Lake, and in 1914 about the same amount was realized. There is
always a good demand for a good article, carefully picked and honestly
packed, discarding all bruised and scabby or wormy apples, or those
undersized or less than 2-1/2 inches in diameter.

This season I sprayed my trees three times, the first time early in
April, using what is known as a dormant spray, using commercial
lime-sulphur solution 32 degrees Baume, 20 gallons to a tank of 200
gallons of water, or four times as strong as the two subsequent
sprayings, after the blossoms fall, at which later time I use in
addition arsenate of lead, 10 pounds to a 200 gallon tank of water, and
work under 200 pound pressure--and by doing thorough work can produce
apples almost entirely free from any disease or worms. My last shipment
of apples this year was October 2nd and consisted of 196 barrels,
one-third each of Hibernals, Patten Greenings and Wealthys, which
brought top prices.

[Illustration: Mr. A. W. Richardson, Howard Lake.]

I am a firm believer in co-operative marketing and think it is the only
logical way to market any crop, but to conduct a successful marketing
organization there should be stringent rules compelling all who join an
association for marketing to spray thoroughly if nothing else, as I am
firmly convinced that you cannot grow apples and compete with other
localities without doing so, and doing so every year, whether a prospect
for a good crop exists or not. I can prove this, as I only partly
covered my entire orchard in 1913 wit