trees into it at a time; takes out a tree
and sets it with as little exposure of roots to the air as possible.
Cultivates well, keeping the ground clean in the tree row all summer.
This winter, 1897-'98, he saw fine ten-year-old trees completely girdled
by mice, in an orchard that was neglected last summer, and weeds and
grass allowed to grow next the trees; these held the snow around the
trees, and allowed the mice to burrow under to the tree. Grows corn as a
protection to the trees in summer, using a five-tooth one-horse
cultivator, shallow and often, near the trees, until they begin to bear,
when he sows to clover, and mows frequently. Thinks windbreaks are
essential, and if used would make them of Osage orange or mulberry, not
very close to trees on north and west sides. Protects from rabbits by
wrapping with corn-stalks and will try leaving them on this summer as a
protection from sun-scald. Prunes interlocking limbs to get into shape;
believes it beneficial. Believes thinning would pay on choice varieties
if tree was very full. Believes in using all the barn-yard litter
possible, especially on poor soil. Never has pastured orchard, but might
put in horses or sheep. Thinks it would hardly pay. Never has sprayed,
but believes in it. Digs out borers. Prefers to wholesale fruit in
orchard.

* * * * *

JOSEPH C. REA, Brenner, Doniphan county: Have been in Kansas
twenty-seven years. Have 4000 trees six to twelve years old. I prefer
for commercial orchard Ben Davis and Missouri Pippin; add, for family
orchard, Minkler. Discarded Lawver because it did not bear. I prefer
side-hill, clay loam, with a north slope. Prefer trees without forks,
and plant a little deeper than in the nursery. I cultivate with the plow
and cultivator until they begin to bear. I plant a young orchard to
corn, a bearing orchard to clover, and cease cropping when they begin to
bear. Windbreaks are not essential. I wrap my trees with corn-stalks to
protect from rabbits. I prune to improve the fruit, and think it
beneficial. Never dry apples. Think that if Jonathans are planted near
other trees they are better, bigger, and fuller. Winesap and Chenango
Strawberry are varieties adjoining mine. Do not fertilize; would not
advise its use. Do not pasture orchard; not advisable. My trees are
troubled with buffalo tree-hopper. I dig borers out. I pick by hand and
sort from a table. I sort into three classes--first, the fairest