FRUIT-GROWING.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1444, 20 May 1912, Page 8

FRUIT-GROWING.

HOROWHENUA ORCHABDIST'S FIGURES. On the broad question of fruitgrowing, says the "Horowhonua Chronicle," wo have read with interest and advantage somo estimates prepared by Mr. M. Fosella, lion, secretary of the Horowheuua Fruitgrowers' Association. He deals with nn area supposed to bo 100 acres in extent, and his scheme is for making ready and bringing to orchard profit an area of 100 acres of virgin laud. His figures are-.-100 acres at (say) JCSO an acre 5000 Clearing and stumping 100 Fencing Shelter trees raised on tho land l ... 50 Two-horse team, plough, harrow 50 Buildings' ■ I 5" 30,000 npple trees raised 011 the ground I s ® Highest estimate "000 He recommends the growing of poplar trees for shelter—l,ombnrdy poplars for preference. These, he says, will take two years to grow high enough to protect young trees. During that period the land can l>e made productive .bv establishes n dairy farm on the 100 acres. Cost would be:— £ Forty cows 350 Sheds 250 Fencing 250 Cart, horse, and harness SO Cans and other expenses 100 Total' 1000 This will give a return more, than sufficient to pay all interest and wages. After two years have passed, 300 two-year-old applfi trees per acre can be planted, nnd there will still remain about two-thirds of the land, which can be cropped with mangold, carrot, maize, etc. The return should prove to be ample to defray expenses during the four years required to bring the trees into profit. Then there will be trees six years old. and producing at least 201b. of fruit per tree: enough return to .pay expenses. Two years later the trees (eight years old) would be pro.ducing at the lowest estimate 401b. of fruit per tree, and as 30.000 trees would be planted, the total amount of fruit wonid be 1.200,0001b.; and that, at 2d. per lb., would, realise .610.000. As to the selection of trees, the only varieties suitable for close plantation are Jonathan, King David, York Imperial, Stnrmer Pippin, and Golden Russet. All these are heavy croppers, and fit. for export and local consumption. "CThen the orchard has reached the productive stage it can be nut down in red.clover, which would be beneficial to the trees, and reduce labour that would then be directed to spraying, pruning, and packing.