Cultivation and Pruning

Mr. Mason believes in cultivation for apple profits, since he has demonstrated that his section of the country demands this treatment. “Cultivation of an orchard is just as necessary as cultivating corn and other crops,” he says. “Moisture must be present in the ground and the weeds must be kept down to prevent drinking up the moisture and fertility the trees need. The surface must be thoroughly tilled, too, to permit the moisture to enter the ground. Fall plowing of orchards has many great advantages.

“Another very important thing is the pruning. Remove the surplus wood and clear the tree out so that the sunlight and air strike it. Never cut out so much the sun will strike the big limbs. Don’t do all the pruning at once. Pruning should extend over a period of years. All cross limbs and limbs that are in the tree’s way should be removed, not all that are in your way.

“Pruning is an art. I advise all orchardists who want to engage in the business, as a business, to take a course in horticulture, either in some recognized agricultural school, or take a broad course at home. Watch the trees and their needs—study them closely. Each tree might require different treatment. In one tree we pruned properly in our orchard, the size of the apples was doubled over former years. The value of the apples was increased, as was the color and flavor.”

Mr. Mason starts spraying young orchards early, especially the first year. He says to do so prevents fungus from getting a start. He sprays the young trees in the winter also. “It is not advisable to set young trees out in an old orchard,” continued Mr. Mason. “We tried it and failed. The trees either died or just simply refused to live. I put new trees on fresh soil that has been rotated in various crops for at least five years.”

PLAN No. 807. BECOME TESTING ENGINEER FOR U. S. SEE [PLAN No. 217]

PLAN No. 808. A SYSTEM OF FARM RENTAL

Many farms are ruined because their owners have not understood the drawing up of a proper agreement and thereby including proper safeguards.

Many retired farm owners are located in the various small towns and cities with nothing to do who have rented their farms for cash and they have nothing to do but worry about the way the farm is going back. Many tenants follow a soil mining plan—get out of the farm all that is possible today and let tomorrow take care of itself as tomorrow the owner will have it back.

The following kind of a rental system has been followed with good results: This owner rented his 400 acre dairy and stock farm and it paid him in 1917—7.89% on a $25,000 investment, after all expenses had been deducted. At the same time his land has improved in production and value. Under this plan the tenant’s share amounted to $2,838.60 while the net earnings of the owner was $1,974.12 which was exclusive of his personal, managerial labor.

The lease contained the following conditions as to owner: