The Apple: The Kansas Apple, the Big Red Apple; the Luscious, Red-Cheeked First Love of the Farmer's Boy; the Healthful, Hearty Heart of the Darling Dumpling. What It Is; How to Grow It; Its Commercial and Economic Importance; How to Utilize It.
Science
The Apple: The Kansas Apple, the Big Red Apple; the Luscious, Red-Cheeked First Love of the Farmer's Boy; the Healthful, Hearty Heart of the Darling Dumpling. What It Is; How to Grow It; Its Commercial and Economic Importance; How to Utilize It.
Apples
Dr. JAMES MYERS, Hutchinson, Reno county: Have lived in Kansas
thirty-nine years. Have about 3000 apple trees eight years old, six to
eight inches in diameter; fine, large trees. For market I prefer
Winesap, Missouri Pippin, and Ben Davis; for home use, Early Harvest,
Northern Spy, and Maiden's Blush. Most other varieties that are a
success in the East are a failure here. I am satisfied with a few of the
best varieties. In this county lowland is the best. I prefer a sandy
land, on a clay subsoil, and a north slope, every time. I plant two- and
three-year-old, clean, thrifty trees. I mark the ground in squares of
one rod and plant in every other crossing, mismatching to make the trees
zigzag. I will cultivate the orchard for forty years in this county if
they live so long. I would grow corn amongst them for the first three or
four years; after that, nothing; the less crop the better. I believe
windbreaks are essential in small orchards, but in large orchards the
trees will protect each other. For windbreaks I would plant maple or
mulberry, at least two rods away from the apple trees. For protection
against rabbits and borers, take lime and Portland cement, equal parts,
mix with sweet milk to the consistency of paint; add one tablespoonful
of Paris green, and apply with a brush; it will never fail. I prune
while the tree is young; then the wound does not affect them so much; it
pays, and is very necessary. I have never thinned, but think it
necessary, just before the apples are half grown. I use no fertilizer
whatever. I do not pasture my orchard much, but when I do it is with
hogs, and I think it advisable when the fruit is wormy and falling off.
I have some insects, but have never sprayed. For borers I use a knife. I
pick in baskets, just as late as possible.
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