The orchards of the State are comparatively free from insect pests, and while eternal vigilance is one of the fixed conditions that confronts the fruit grower everywhere, he has abundance of time and opportunity to thoroughly inspect and spray, cultivate and prune them, and this work can be carried on by the farmer when it will not in any way interfere with his usual farm labors or the growing of his other crops. We have not attempted herein to either describe or give any of the remedies for the eradication of fruit pests, but any person desiring information on that subject can obtain the same by writing to the State Commissioner of Horticulture, Tacoma, Washington.

CULTIVATION OF ORCHARDS.

An even temperature, sufficient moisture, and soils rich in mineral plant food, are elements which, when combined, form the most valuable conditions that constitute a great fruit growing section. The State of Washington possesses all of these necessary elements. The humidity of the western division and the abundant and accessible water supply for irrigation in the arid sections of Eastern Washington affords sufficient moisture for any of the classes of fruit suited to their respective localities, from the most tender varieties of grapes to the hardiest kinds of apples. The arid valley soils, rich in mineral compounds; the upland loams and clays, and the large deposits of limestone for the western division, constitute the most valuable lands and natural minerals for extensive fruit culture.

On the uplands of Eastern Washington all kinds of hardy fruits do well, especially apples, and on the bar lands of the different rivers and valleys, and on all lands where irrigation can be had, not only all the hardy fruits are produced, but the most tender varieties are grown very successfully.

SELECTING LOCATIONS.

The selecting of a proper location for an orchard is a very essential point for success in fruit culture. It should be located on ground where the hardpan is not too near the surface. On clay soils there should be at least from two to four feet of depth before hardpan is reached. A cold, wet soil should be avoided as much as possible. In Western Washington the quality of soil is of greater importance than situations or slopes, while in the

eastern portion altitudes and moisture are the principal factors to be observed. The shot clay soils, where there is sufficient depth before reaching hardpan; sandy soils, with a proper mixture of clay, and the volcanic ash soils, with sufficient water, are the leading soils in this State for fruit culture. Soils with natural drainage are particularly desirable, because, being warm, they give up their fertility easily and allow of early cultivation. Tile drainage may also be employed, and many of the hard, wet soils, when tile drained, are excellent for prunes, pears and apples. The sandy loam valley soils are best suited for the raspberry and the blackberry.

SOIL CONSTITUENTS.

From an analysis of the soils made by Professor Fulmer, chemist at the Washington College of Agriculture, we quote the following: "The soils of Western Washington are usually high in phosphoric acid and nitrogen, but have a lower average of potash and lime than the soils of Eastern Washington. On the other hand, the soils of Eastern Washington stand high in potash and lime, but are much lower in phosphoric acid and nitrogen than than those west of the Cascades." As a rule, the soils of Western Washington can be much improved by a free use of lime for fruit culture. Besides the direct benefit to soil and trees, lime acts upon other plant food material, making it available for the roots to absorb. It is of great value to this part of the State that such abundant lime deposits exist here, which are so accessible.

When mature or bearing trees make a foot or more growth upon all shoots, and when the leaves are of good size and dark color, the orchard probably has enough nitrogen.

Potash is generally the most important element to be applied directly to orchards, particularly after trees have reached bearing age. The store of available potash in the soil is much increased by thorough tillage. Wood ashes and the German potash salts are other sources from which it may be obtained. From 500 to 700 pounds nitrate of potash per acre, for orchards in bearing, is good dressing, but there are perhaps few places where this is needed as yet in the State. Phosphorus may be obtained in acid form, in bone compounds, and Thomas slag. From 300 to 500 pounds superphosphate per acre is a liberal dressing for bearing orchards. In general, phosphoric acid is rather less important

SUNNYSIDE-A SIX YEAR OLD APPLE ORCHARD.

This district is in Yakima county, near the line of the Northern Pacific Railway.

in fruit plantations than potash, which should generally be the leading factor in orchard fertilizers.

One of the principal points to observe when starting new orchards is to provide for thorough cultivation, and before trees are planted, especially in dry soils, it must be repeated that it is better to do subsoil plowing before planting the trees. It appears that there is sufficient nitrogen available for all young fruit trees in this State, and there are very few cases where it is necessary to apply any fertilizers before young trees are in bearing. If any trees are not making sufficient growth, it is probable that more tillage is needed or that the land requires drainage.

DIVERSITY OF TREATMENT.

In places like the various river valleys, where the soil is a rich alluvial deposit, porous, and has a natural underdrainage, perhaps less tillage may be required, at least for a time. In such localities there may be an excess of nitrogen, shown by too rank a growth of wood and foliage, and often it is best to seed the ground to clover and other forage crops for a few years, then to plow the ground again. But such conditions are rather the exceptions, and generally considered orchards should not be put into sown crops, and grain crops especially should always be withheld.

IRRIGATED ORCHARDS.

Wherever irrigation is practiced in the orchards of this State the water supply is generally ample. In many cases better results would be obtained if a less quantity of water was used. In fact, the majority of fruit growers on irrigated lands are using entirely too much water for producing fruit crops which are fine. in grain and flavor and which have good keeping qualities. Good results have been obtained where the ground has been thoroughly soaked in late fall or early spring, then again after the fruit has set, and as the ground needs the water supply when the fruit is half to two-thirds grown, and follow the irrigation with the cultivator or harrow, when the ground is suitable to work well. As a rule, water should never be applied when it is time for the fruit to begin ripening. Where there is an excess of water at such a stage, almost any variety of fruit becomes soft, and the flavor is destroyed and the keeping qualities are impaired. The prime aim, under any system of cultivation or irrigation, should be to stimulate and induce "capillary action" in every possible way.