[Illustration:  Residence of A. W. Richardson, at Howard Lake.]

I figure that outside the investment I have brought my orchard into bearing with practically no expense, having had a revenue every year since planting the trees, which are composed of Patten Greening, Hibernal, Duchess, Wealthy, Peerless, Minnesota, Virginia, Okabena and Whitney.  My last orchard of 625 trees consists principally of Wealthy, and trees are set 20x20, and I am following the same plan of growing a crop between.  The year 1915 makes four crops taken from this young orchard, now four years old.  About two more seasons will follow this year, and then about the time for bearing I will discontinue the planting of any crop and sow it to clover.

I plant one or two year old trees trimmed to a whip, digging a much larger and deeper hole than is really necessary to accommodate the roots, but I am sure this plan gives the roots a much better start than if they are crowded into a small hole, and particularly if the ground is hardpan or similar soil.  Pinching off the buds the following year or two, when you commence shaping your trees to your liking, is good, thus eliminating severe pruning.  I have endeavored to follow up this annual pruning when possible, often being compelled to hire additional help for this purpose, as the nature of my regular business keeps me from home when I should be pruning.  I am sure you will agree with me so far that “fruit growing in Minnesota is successful.”

Four years ago or more I decided that in order to receive the top price for the products off my place I must produce a first class article, and so to that end I have worked.  I bought a gasoline power sprayer, costing me about $300—­by the way, the first one in Howard Lake, although two of us there each bought one the same spring, and now there are three power sprayers in our village.  I have demonstrated that it is possible to get the top price of the market in more ways than one by furnishing a first class article.  You will ask me how it is possible for me to do this and be away from home so much.  I have been ably assisted by my wife, who sees that my general directions are carried out as I have outlined.

This year we have marketed something over 300 barrels and have received the top market price, netting me about $500.00.  I tried out a new plan this year, selling through a reliable commission firm.  I have heretofore sold direct to the retailer with splendid results. 1913 was a bumper year and the market flooded everywhere with poor unsprayed stuff.  I sold about 250 barrels and received an average of $3.25 per barrel, F.O.B.  Howard Lake, and in 1914 about the same amount was realized.  There is always a good demand for a good article, carefully picked and honestly packed, discarding all bruised and scabby or wormy apples, or those undersized or less than 2-1/2 inches in diameter.