(2) FERTILIZING.—At some time during the late fall or winter twelve to fifteen loads of stable manure should be applied broadcast on each acre, scattering it well out under the ends of the branches. This will amount to a load to from three to five trees. In case manure is not available, or sometimes even supplementary to it in cases where quick results are wanted 100 to 200 pounds of nitrate of soda, 300 to 500 pounds of acid phosphate, and 150 to 200 pounds of sulphate or muriate of potash should be applied in two applications as a top dressing in spring, as soon as growth starts, and thoroughly worked into the soil. This will give the trees an abundance of available plant food, which is usually badly needed, and help to stimulate them to a vigorous growth. Such heavy feeding may easily be overdone and should be adjusted according to conditions and the needs of the orchard.

(3) CULTIVATING.—If the orchard has been in sod for a number of years, as is often the case, it is usually best to plow it in the fall about four inches deep, just deep enough to turn under the sod. By so doing a large number of roots will probably be broken, but such injury will be much more than offset by the stimulus to the trees the next season. It is a good plan to apply the stable manure on the top of this plowed ground early in the winter. Fall plowing gives a better opportunity for rotting the sod and exposes to the winter action of the elements the soil, which is usually stale and inactive after lying so long unturned. In the spring the regular treatment with springtooth and spiketooth harrows should be followed as outlined in Chapter V.

(4) SPRAYING in the old orchard is essentially the same as elsewhere. It is necessary, however, to emphasize the first spray, the dormant one, winter strength on the wood. This is the most important spray for a neglected orchard and it should be very thoroughly applied. It is a sort of cleaning-up spray for scale, fungus, and insects which winter on the bark. In orchards where the San Jose scale is bad a strong lime-sulphur spray should also be used in the late fall in order to make doubly sure a thorough cleaning up. It is usually a pretty good plan to scrape old trees as high up as the rough, shaggy bark extends, destroying the scrapings. For this purpose an old and dull hoe does very well. This treatment will get rid of many insects by destroying them and their winter quarters.

PATCHING OLD TREES.—A few suggestions on patching up the weak places in an old tree may not be entirely out of place. The question is often asked, will it pay to fill up the decayed centers or sides of old trees? If the tree is otherwise desirable to save, it usually will. Scrape out all the dead and rotten material, cleaning down to the sound heart wood. Then fill up the cavity with a rough cement, being careful to exclude all air and finishing with a smooth, sloping surface so as to drain away all moisture. This treatment will probably prevent further decay and often acts as a substantial mechanical support.

Trees which are badly split or which have so grown that a heavy crop is likely to break them over should be braced with wires or bolts. Where the limbs are close together a bolt driven right through them with wide, strong washers at the ends is very effective in strengthening the tree. Where limbs must be braced from one side of the tree across to the other wires are the best to use. They may be fastened to bolts through the limbs with wide washers on the outside hooks on the inside, or by passing the wire around the branches. In the latter case some wide, fairly rigid material such as tin, pieces of wood, or heavy leather should be used to protect the tree from the wire which would otherwise cut into the bark and perhaps girdle the limb.

COST.—For the benefit of those who would like to get some idea of the probable cost of renovating old apple orchards, the following estimate made by the writer in a recent government publication on this subject is given. This estimate has been carefully made up from actual records kept on several New York farms. Because these costs are very variable according to the condition of the orchard, both maximum and minimum amounts are given per acre for the first year only.

Minimum Maximum cost cost

Plowing $2.00 $3.00 Manure, 10 to 20 loads at $1, or their equivalent in commercial fertilizer 10.00 20.00 Hauling manure 5.00 10.00 Pruning and hauling brush 5.00 10.00 Disking or harrowing twice 1.00 1.50 Disking or harrowing 3d or 4th time .50 1.00 Cultivating two to four times .50 1.00 Spraying once with L.S. dilution 1 to 9—material 2.00 4.00 Spraying once, L.S., labor 1.00 1.50 Spraying second time with L.S. dilution 1 to 40, labor and material 1.50 2.50 Spraying third time with same 1.50 2.50 ——— ——— Total cost $30.00 $57.00



CHAPTER XII

THE COST OF GROWING APPLES

Two factors have always operated to deter many persons from taking up fruit growing as a business or even as a side issue on the farm, and they will probably continue to be an obstacle for more time to come. These are the comparatively large investment required and the necessarily long period of waiting before paying returns can be obtained. Farmers who have not gone into the business of fruit growing because they could not afford this heavy investment or to wait so long for returns have been wise. Others who, though lacking the necessary capital, still have planted heavily have learned to their sorrow the importance of capital in the business both for the original investment and to carry the enterprise. And yet with sufficient capital and the proper conditions there is no more attractive or profitable line of agriculture than fruit growing.

Who knows what it costs to grow an orchard to bearing age? Or what it costs to produce a barrel of apples? We venture to say that very few persons do. Because of the large investment both in fixed and in working capital it is most important to know these costs. Moreover an accurate knowledge of the financial conditions and facts in any business is of first importance to intelligent management. For these reasons every grower ought to keep careful records of the cost and income from each field or orchard every year in order to determine as accurately as possible what his crops have cost him per unit and per acre and what rate of interest he has realized on his investment. As farming becomes more intensive competition increases, costs multiply, and the margin of profit on any given unit becomes smaller. It therefore becomes increasingly necessary to have accurate records on the cost of production.

FACTORS IN THE COST OF PRODUCTION.—The value of records depends on their accuracy and on their completeness. There are a great many factors which enter into the cost of production. For convenience these may be classified as cash costs and labor costs. Labor charges should include the work of both men and teams at a rate determined by their actual cost or by a careful estimate. Man labor costs are easily reckoned, as they are either simple cash or cash plus board and certain privileges, the value of which should be estimated in cash.

The value of horse labor is more difficult to determine. It is made up of interest on valuation, depreciation, stable rental, feed, care, etc. A fair estimate of this cost is $10 a month or $120 a year for a horse. Cash costs are interest on the investment and on the equipment in machinery, etc., or rental of the same, taxes, a proper share of the general farm expenses such as insurance and repairs of buildings, telephone, etc., the cost of spraying material, packages, fertilizers, etc.

There are many ways of keeping such a record. Any method which accomplishes the result in a convenient and accurate manner is a good one. It will usually be found necessary to keep a cash account or day book, entering all items in enough detail to make possible their later distribution to the proper field or crop, and also to keep a diary of all labor. Any form of diary will answer the purpose, but one which has ruled columns at the right side of the page in which to indicate the crop or field worked upon, and the number of hours worked is more convenient and therefore more desirable.

AN EXAMPLE.—For a number of years the author has kept such records on his farm in western New York. As an illustration of the method and in order to give the reader a general idea as to what the costs above referred to are likely to be we venture to give the following tables. It must be remembered, however, that practically everyone of the above mentioned factors varies with the conditions under which the orchard is managed and that these figures are not an average but one average and on one farm. True averages are arrived at only by bringing together a large number of figures. In any case, the question of cost is essentially an individual problem on every farm. These figures are of value only as an example of the method and the cost on one farm under its own special conditions.

The orchard for which the following figures were given was set in the spring of 1903, and the records begin with that year and end with 1910, covering a period of eight years in all. Throughout this period other crops have been grown between the tree rows, thereby offsetting to a large extent the cost of growing the orchard. Forty trees at the north end of the orchard are pears, but they have received substantially the same treatment as the apples and have not affected the cost. In 1904, 211 plum trees were set as fillers one way. The apple trees were set 36 by 36 feet apart, so that, filled one way, the trees stand 18 by 36 feet apart. The orchard is ten rows wide and forty-seven long, containing in all 467 trees.

BRINGING TO BEARING AGE.—The first of the following tables is given as a sample of one year's records, that of 1907, on this orchard in order to show both the manner in which the costs were made up and what the items amounted to in one year:

FIELD A—1907. FIFTH YEAR

Total Hours Cost Cost hours Total per acre per per Operation Man Horse cost Man Horse acre 100 Mulching 3 6 $1.05 .455 .91 $0.16 $0.22 Pruning 11 ... 1.65 1.67 ... .25 .35 Cultivating 1 7 7 1.75 1.06 1.06 .26 .38 Cultivating 2 10 10 2.50 1.51 1.51 .38 .54 Cultivating 3 6 6 1.50 .91 .91 .23 .32 Plowing in fall 47 94 16.45 7.12 14.25 2.50 3.52 Banking trees 12 ... 1.80 1.82 ... .27 .39 Harrowing 21 42 7.35 3.18 6.36 1.11 1.58 —- —- ——— ——- ——- ——- ——- Total lab. cost. 117 165 $34.05 17.73 25.00 $5.16 $7.30

4 loads manure at $1.50 6.00 .91 1.29 Equipment charge 1.15 .174 .25 Taxes 5.29 .801 1.13 Interest 38.48 5.83 8.23 ——— ———- ——— Total cost $84.97 $12.875 $18.20

INCOME, COST AND PROFIT ON BEANS—FIELD A—1907

Income Cost Profit 75 bushels at $1.50 $112.50 31/2 tons pods at $6 21.00 $133.65 $94.50 $38.85

LOSS ON FIELD A—1907

Total Per acre Net income from beans $38.85 $5.89 Cost of orchard 84.97 12.87 ——— ——— Loss $46.12 $6.98

A summary of the cost of the orchard, the net income from the crop, the income from the orchard and the profit and loss by years for the eight years follows:

SUMMARY OF COSTS FOR EIGHT YEARS, FIELD A

Net Income Crop income from Cost of 6.6 acres Year grown from crop orchard orchard Profit Loss 1903 Corn $ 15.17 ... $109.87 ... $ 94.70 1904 Beans 42.57 ... 216.16 ... 173.59 1905 Beans 43.13 ... 83.78 ... 40.65 1906 Beans 120.90 ... 80.14 $40.76 ... 1907 Beans 38.85 ... 84.97 ... 46.12 1908 Corn 37.68 ... 64.22 ... 26.54 1909 Oats and strawberries 100.61 $27.88 84.73 43.76 ... 1910 Wheat 60.70 38.65 96.35 3.00 ... ———- ——— ———- ——— ———- Totals $459.61 $66.53 $620.22 $87.52 $381.60

Net loss on field for eight years $294.08 Average annual loss 38.76 Total cost an acre, exclusive of income 124.27 Total cost an acre, including income 44.55 Total net cost a hundred trees 62.97 Total net cost an apple tree 1.37 Total net cost an apple tree, exclusive of income 3.80 Total labor cost an acre 35.09 Total cash cost an acre 89.19

We find that this orchard has cost $124.27 an acre during the eight years of its life, but that the $79.72 an acre of crops grown in the orchard has brought this cost down to $44.55 an acre. It is safe to say that the orchard would have cost even more than it did had it not been for the crops, for many operations charged directly to the crops would of necessity have been charged to the trees. The cost a hundred trees does not mean much, as it often happens that not all the trees are covered by an operation and as the number of trees an acre greatly affects these costs.

We have another and younger orchard upon which a record has been kept. This orchard of five acres contains 126 standard apple trees, "filled" both ways with 375 peach trees. It was set in the spring of 1908, so that the trees have grown four seasons. The permanents (apples) are set 36 by 40 feet apart, so that, with the peaches between, the trees stand 18 by 20 feet apart. A crop of beans has been grown between the tree rows each season. The first season a full seven rows, twenty-eight inches apart, were planted in the wider space; the second and third season six rows, and the last season only four rows. The crop has been very good each year until the last. One application of manure, one crop of clover and one seeding of rye have been plowed under, and in addition a liberal amount of commercial fertilizer has been used with each crop. This year the peach trees bore their first crop. The record of the four years is as follows:

SUMMARY OF THE COST OF A FOUR-YEAR-OLD APPLE AND PEACH ORCHARD

Net Income Crop income from Cost of Year grown from crop orchard orchard Profit Loss

1908 Beans $63.37 ... $130.12 ... $62.75 1909 Beans 66.70 ... $85.03 ... 18.33 1910 Beans 79.81 ... 83.39 ... 3.58 1911 Beans 53.20 $46.05 61.95 $37.30 ... ———- ——— ———- ——— ——— Totals $267.08 $46.05 $360.49 $37.30 $84.66

Total cost an acre, exclusive of income $72.10 Total cost an acre, including income 9.47 Total net cost a hundred trees 4.73 Total net cost an apple tree .376 Total net cost an apple tree, exclusive of income 2.86

These figures show a still lower cost of growing trees to bearing age. After paying all expenses connected with the growing of the trees, including the interest on the land at $150 an acre, and deducting the net profit from the crops of beans and the sales from the first crop of peaches we find that the growing of the trees has cost us $9.47 an acre, or 371/2 cents an apple tree at four years old. Had no crop been grown in the orchard it would have cost us at least $62.89 an acre after deducting the income from the first peach crop. The peach trees are now at full bearing age, and should show a good profit from this time on. Possibly at five and certainly at six years of age this orchard will entirely have paid for itself. The only possible further charge which could be made against this orchard is the crop income which might have been obtained from the land had the trees not been there. We estimated that the presence of the trees cut down the crop of beans from the land 30 per cent. As the average net income from beans was $13.35 an acre this would amount to $4 an acre a year—an insignificant sum.

IN BEARING.—Having given the reader an idea of the probable cost of bringing an orchard to bearing age, it may be well also to give the cost of producing apples in a mature apple orchard. Our bearing apple orchard consists of 6.1 acres containing 234 trees. About one-half of the trees, or 110, are 36 years old. The remainder are nearly 50 years of age. As they are all in one block and handled together, the charges cannot well be separated. One hundred and thirty-four of the trees are Baldwins, 44 Twenty Ounce, 40 Tompkins County Kings, and the remainder odd varieties. For the whole period of ten years the orchard has had very good care and attention.

A cover crop was not sown every year, but when it was used the charge was made against the orchard. The manure charge, omitted because of uncertainty as to the exact amount applied and as to its real value, is the only thing lacking in this table.

Two or three sprayings have been made every year. Until 1909, Bordeaux mixture and Paris green were used, but since then the commercial brands of lime sulphur and arsenate of lead have taken their place, nearly doubling the cost of the spray material. The average cost of the material for spraying has been $2.50 per acre, or nearly three and one-half cents per barrel of apples harvested. In 1910 this cost was $3.92 per acre and seven cents a barrel.

TABLE SHOWING THE ITEMS OF EXPENSE IN PRODUCING APPLES IN A SIX ACRE ORCHARD

- - - - - 5% Cover Spraying int. Equip. O'vh'd Labor Total Year crop mat. Bar. on inv. charge charge cost cost - - - - - 1902 $6.64 $117.88 $27.45 $25.00 $2.97 $339.45 $519.39 1903 11.22 164.92 28.88 25.00 2.88 249.55 482.56 1904 10.50 109.90 30.50 25.00 3.93 180.55 360.38 1905 $6.10 12.45 88.80 30.50 25.00 3.40 158.06 324.31 1906 14.85 112.35 33.06 25.00 4.78 211.76 401.80 1907 10.00 16.85 79.80 35.56 25.00 4.89 192.30 364.40 1908 9.75 205.45 37.76 30.09 5.09 293.50 583.55 1909 8.68 19.26 196.35 41.97 38.98 5.91 280.78 591.93 1910 23.89 116.90 45.75 32.39 5.58 175.26 399.77 1911 10.50 27.08 206.38 45.75 32.39* 5.53* 275.00* 602.63 - - - - - 10 yr. av. $15.25 $139.87 $35.73 $28.37 $4.78 $235.62 $463.07 Av. per acre 2.50 22.93 5.86 4.65 .78 38.63 75.92 Av. per bbl .036 .327 .084 .066 .011 .552 -1.08

* Partly estimated, records not yet complete. ————————————————————————————————————-

The cost of the package has varied from 28 to 38 cents and has averaged about 321/2 cents, or $22.93 per acre. Of course the latter amount varies greatly with the crop.

Interest has in all cases been figured at five per cent., but as the price of the land has varied from $90 an acre at the beginning of the period to its present valuation of $160,00 an acre, due both to its improvement and to a general increase in the price of land, the amount of interest has also varied. The same is true of the equipment charge which has steadily increased each year. The average valuation of the land for the ten-year period was $117.15 an acre. This means an annual interest charge of $5.86 per acre, or 81/2 cents a barrel. The equipment charge, which is interest, repairs, and depreciation on the machinery used in the orchard, amounts to more than 61/2 cents a barrel, or $4.65 per acre. Taxes and insurance on the buildings distributed per acre for the farm average $.78 per acre, or a trifle over one cent per barrel. These costs have also increased in the last few years.

Labor is the largest single item. For the first four years this was estimated on the basis of the cost for the last six years, for which more careful records were kept. It is computed at its actual cost to us on the farm, which was 151/2 cents an hour for men and 131/2 cents an hour for horses. This amounts to $4.25 per day for man and team. The cost of the labor to grow, pick, pack, and market a barrel of apples was 55 cents, or $38.63 per acre with an average yield of 70 barrels per acre.

To sum up these items of cost we find that taking the average of ten years with an annual crop of 427 barrels, or 70 per acre, on 6.1 acres of old apple orchard that the costs per barrel have been as follows: spray material, $.036; packages, $.327; interest on the land, $.084; use of equipment, $.066; taxes, $.011; labor, $.552; and a total of $1.08 per barrel. If the estimated cost of manure, six cents a barrel be added, the total will be $1.14. As we have said, these costs per barrel vary with the crop. When our yield was 100 barrels per acre the cost per barrel was only $.99, but when it was 34 barrels per acre this cost rose to $1.73 per barrel. In 1910 we grew a crop of 55 barrels per acre for $1.20 per barrel.

It may be of interest to some to know what the income and profit were on this orchard. For this purpose we give the following table showing the yield, income, cost, and net profit for each of the ten years, and the average:

Yield in Income Income Cost Net Profit bbls. bbls. inc. culls per bbls. inc. culls Year per A. only and drops bbl. alone and drops 1902 103 $1.96* $1.46* $.83 $1.13 $.63 1903 71 1.90 2.23 1.11 .79 1.12 1904 51 1.66 1.78 1.15 .51 .63 1905 49 2.30 2.68 1.10 1.20 1.58 1906 53 1.96 2.25 1.25 .71 1.30 1907 34 3.49 4.10 1.73 1.76 2.37 1908 96 2.03 2.32 .99 1.04 1.33 1909 92 3.00 3.38 1.06 1.94 2.32 1910 55 2.69 3.03 1.20 1.49 1.83 1911 100 2.06 2.32 .99 1.07 1.33 ——————————————————————————————————— 10 yr. av. 70 2.15 2.47 1.08 1.07 1.39

* In arriving at these incomes different divisors were used. Two hundred barrels of the crop were sold in bulk and these were not used in getting the average income from barrels only, but were used in getting the average income including culls and drops.

Partly estimated, records not yet being complete for the season.

THE END



OUTING

HANDBOOKS

Each book deals with a separate subject and deals with it thoroughly. If you want to know anything about Airedales an OUTING HANDBOOK gives you all you want. If it's Apple Growing, another OUTING HANDBOOK meets your need. The Fisherman, the Camper, the Poultry-raiser, the Automobilist, the Horseman, all varieties of outdoor enthusiasts, will find separate volumes for their separate interests. There is no waste space.

The series is based on the plan of one subject to a book and each book complete. The authors are experts. Each book has been specially prepared for this series and all are published in uniform style, flexible cloth binding, selling at the fixed price of seventy cents per copy.

Two hundred titles are projected. The series covers all phases of outdoor life, from bee-keeping to big game shooting. Among the books now ready are those described on the following pages.

OUTING PUBLISHING COMPANY OUTING MAGAZINE Yachting OUTING HANDBOOKS 141-145 WEST 36th ST. NEW YORK 122 S. MICHIGAN AVE. CHICAGO

THE AIREDALE. By Williams Haynes. The book opens with a short chapter on the origin and development of the Airedale, as a distinctive breed. The author then takes up the problems of type as bearing on the selection of the dog, breeding, training and use. The book is designed for the non-professional dog fancier, who wishes common sense advice which does not involve elaborate preparation or expenditure. Chapters are included on the care of the dog in the kennel and simple remedies for ordinary diseases.

"A splendid book on the breed and should be in the hands of every owner of an Airedale whether novice or breeder."—The Kennel Review.

"It ought to be read and studied by every Airedale owner and admirer."—Howard Keeler, Airedale Farm Kennels.

APPLE GROWING. By M.C. Burritt. Mr. Burritt takes up the question of the profit in apple growing, the various kinds best suited to different parts of the country and different conditions of soil, topography, and so on. He discusses also the most approved methods of planning a new orchard and takes up in detail the problems connected with the cultivation, fertilization, and pruning. The book contains chapters on the restoration of old orchards, the care of the trees, their protection against various insect-enemies and blight, and the most approved method of harvesting, handling and storing the fruit.

THE AUTOMOBILE—Its Selection, Care and Use. By Robert Sloss. This is a plain, practical discussion of the things that every man needs to know if he is to buy the right car and get the most out of it. The various details of operation and care are given in simple, intelligent terms. From it the car owner can easily learn the mechanism of his motor and the art of locating motor trouble, as well as how to use his car for the greatest pleasure. A chapter is included on building garages.

"It is the one book dealing with autos, that gives reliable information."—The Grand Rapids (Mich.) Herald.

BACKWOODS SURGERY AND MEDICINE. By Charles S. Moody, M.D. A handy book for the prudent lover of the woods who doesn't expect to be ill but believes in being on the safe side. Common-sense methods for the treatment of the ordinary wounds and accidents are described—setting a broken limb, reducing a dislocation, caring for burns, cuts, etc. Practical remedies for camp diseases are recommended, as well as the ordinary indications of the most probable ailments. Includes a list of the necessary medical and surgical supplies.

The manager of a mine in Nome, Alaska, writes as follows: "I have been on the trail for years (twelve in the Klondike and Alaska) and have always wanted just such a book as Dr. Moody's Backwoods Surgery and Medicine."

CAMP COOKERY. By Horace Kephart. "The less a man carries in his pack, the more he must carry in his head," says Mr. Kephart. This book tells what a man should carry in both pack and head. Every step is traced—the selection of provisions and utensils, with the kind and quantity of each, the preparation of game, the building of fires the cooking of every conceivable kind of food that the camp outfit or woods, fields, or streams may provide—even to the making of desserts. Every receipt is the result of hard practice and long experience. Every recipe has been carefully tested. It is the book for the man who wants to dine well and wholesomely, but in true wilderness fashion without reliance on grocery stores or elaborate camp outfits. It is adapted equally well to the trips of every length and to all conditions of climate, season or country; the best possible companion for one who wants to travel light and live well. The chapter headings tell their own story. Provisions—Utensils—Fires—Dressing and Keeping Game and Fish—Meat—Game—Fish and Shell Fish—Cured Meats, etc.—Eggs—Bread-stuffs and Cereals—Vegetables—Soups—Beverages and Desserts.

"Scores of new hints may be obtained by the housekeeper as well as the camper from Camp Cookery."—Portland Oregonian.

"I am inclined to think that the advice contained in Mr. Kephart's book is to be relied on. I had to stop reading his receipts for cooking wild fowl—they made me hungry."—New York Herald.

"The most useful and valuable book to the camper yet published."—Grand Rapids Herald.

"Camp Cookery is destined to be in the kit of every tent dweller in the country."—Edwin Markham in the San Francisco Examiner.

CAMPS AND CABINS. By Oliver Kemp. A working guide for the man who wants to know how to make a temporary shelter in the woods against the storm or cold. This describes the making of lean-tos, brush shelters, snow shelters, the utilization of the canoe, and so forth. Practically the only tools required are a stout knife or a pocket axe, and Mr. Kemp shows how one may make shift even without these implements. More elaborate camps and log cabins, also, are described and detailed plans reproduced. Illustrated with drawings by the author.

EXERCISE AND HEALTH. By Dr. Woods Hutchinson. Dr. Hutchinson takes the common-sense view that the greatest problem in exercise for most of us is to get enough of the right kind. The greatest error in exercise is not to take enough, and the greatest danger in athletics is in giving them up. The Chapter heads are illuminating. Errors in Exercise—Exercise and the Heart—Muscle Maketh Man—The Danger of Stopping Athletics—Exercise that Rests. It is written in a direct matter-of-fact manner with an avoidance of medical terms, and a strong emphasis on the rational, all-round manner of living that is best calculated to bring a man to a ripe old age with little illness or consciousness of body weakness.

"It contains good physiology as well as good common sense, written by an acute observer and a logical reasoner, who has the courage of his convictions and is a master of English style."—D.A. Sargent, M.D., Sargent School for Physical Education.

"One of the most readable books ever written on physical exercise."—Luther H. Gulick, M.D., Department of Child Hygiene, Russell Sage Foundation.

"A little book for the busy man written in brilliant style."—Kansas City Star.

THE FINE ART OF FISHING. By Samuel G. Camp. Combines the pleasure of catching fish with the gratification of following the sport in the most approved manner. The suggestions offered are helpful to beginner and expert anglers. The range of fish and fishing conditions covered is wide and includes such subjects as "Casting Fine and Far Off," "Strip-Casting for Bass," "Fishing For Mountain Trout" and "Autumn Fishing for Lake Trout." The book is pervaded with a spirit of love for the streamside and the out-doors generally which the genuine angler will appreciate. A companion book to "Fishing Kits and Equipment." The advice on outfitting so capably given in that book is supplemented in this later work by equally valuable information on how to use the equipment.

"Will encourage the beginner and give pleasure to the expert fisherman."—N.Y. Sun.

"A vein of catching enthusiasm runs through every chapter."—Scientific American.

FISHING KITS AND EQUIPMENT. By Samuel G. Camp. A complete guide to the angler buying a new outfit. Every detail of fishing kit of the freshwater angler is described, from rodtip to creel and clothing. Special emphasis is laid on outfitting for fly fishing, but full instruction is also given to the man who wants to catch pickerel, pike, muskellunge, lake-trout, bass and other fresh-water game fishes. Prices are quoted for all articles recommended and the approved method of selecting and testing the various rods, lines, leaders, etc., is described.

"A complete guide to the angler buying a new outfit."—Peoria Herald.

"The man advised by Mr. Camp will catch his fish."—Seattle P.I.

"Even the seasoned angler will read this hook with profit."—Chicago Tribune.

THE HORSE—Its Breeding, Care and Use. By David Buffum. Mr. Buffum takes up the common, every-day problems of the ordinary horse-user, such as feeding, shoeing, simple home remedies, breaking and the cure for various equine vices. An important chapter is that tracing the influx of Arabian blood into the English and American horses and its value and limitations. Chapters are included on draft-horses, carriage horses, and the development of the two-minute trotter. It is distinctly a sensible book for the sensible man who wishes to know how he can improve his horses and his horsemanship at the same time.

"I am recommending it to our students as a useful reference book for both the practical farmer and the student."—T. R. Arkell, Animal Husbandman, N.H. Agricultural Experiment Station.

"Has a great deal of merit from a practical standpoint and is valuable for reference work."—Prof. E.L. Jordon, Professor of Animal Industry, Louisiana State University.

MAKING AND KEEPING SOIL. By David Buffum. This deals with the various kinds of soil and their adaptibility to different crops, common sense tests as to the use of soils, and also the common sense methods of cultivation and fertilization in order to restore worn-out soil and keep it at its highest productivity under constant use.

THE MOTOR BOAT—Its Selection, Care and Use. By H.W. Slauson. The intending purchaser of a motor boat is advised as to the type of boat best suited to his particular needs, the power required for the desired speeds, and the equipment necessary for the varying uses. The care of the engine receives special attention and chapters are included on the use of the boat in camping and cruising expeditions, its care through the winter, and its efficiency in the summer.

NAVIGATION FOR THE AMATEUR. By Capt. E.T. Morton. A short treatise on the simpler methods of finding position at sea by the observation of the sun's altitude and the use of the sextant and chronometer. It is arranged especially for yachtsmen and amateurs who wish to know the simpler formulae for the necessary navigation involved in taking a boat anywhere off shore. Illustrated with drawings.

OUTDOOR SIGNALLING. By Elbert Wells. Mr. Wells has perfected a method of signalling by means of wig-wag, light, smoke, or whistle which is as simple as it is effective. The fundamental principle can be learnt in ten minutes and its application is far easier than that of any other code now in use. It permits also the use of cipher and can be adapted to almost any imaginable conditions of weather, light, or topography.

"I find it to be the simplest and most practical book on signalling published."—Frank H. Schrenk, Director of Camp Belgrade.

"One of the finest things of the kind I have ever seen. I believe my seven year old boy can learn to use this system, and I know that we will find it very useful here in our Boy Scout work."—Lyman G. Haskell, Physical Director, Y.M.C.A., Jacksonville, Fla.

PRACTICAL POULTRY KEEPING. By R.B. Sando. The chapters outlined in this book are poultry keeping and keepers, housing and yarding, fixtures and equipment, choosing and buying stock, foods and feeding, hatching and raising chicks. Inbreeding, caponizing, etc., What to do at different seasons. The merits of "secrets and systems", The truth about common poultry fallacies and get-rich-quick schemes. Poultry parasites and diseases. A complete list of the breeds and subjects is attached. It is in effect a comprehensive manual for the instruction of the man who desires to begin poultry raising on a large or small scale and to avoid the ordinary mistakes to which the beginner is prone. All the statements are based on the authors own experience and special care has been taken to avoid sensationalism or exaggeration.

PROFITABLE BREEDS OF POULTRY. By Arthur S. Wheeler. Mr. Wheeler has chapters on some of the best known general purpose birds such as Rhode Island Reds, Plymouth Rocks, Wyandottes, Mediterraneans, Orpingtons, and Cornish, describing the peculiarities and possibilities of each. There are additional chapters on the method of handling a poultry farm on a small scale with some instructions as to housing the birds, and so forth, and also a chapter on the market side of poultry growing.

RIFLES AND RIFLE SHOOTING. By Charles Askins. Part I describes the various makes and mechanisms taking up such points as range and adaptibility of the various calibers, the relative merits of lever, bolt and pump action, the claims of the automatic, and so forth. Part II deals with rifle shooting, giving full instruction for target practice, snap shooting, and wing shooting.

SCOTTISH AND IRISH TERRIERS. By Williams Haynes. This is a companion book to The Airedale and deals with the origin of the breeds, the standard types, approved methods of breeding, kenneling, training, care and so forth, with chapters on showing and also on the ordinary diseases and simple remedies.

SPORTING FIREARMS. By Horace Kephart. This book is devided into two parts, Part I dealing with the Rifle and Part II with the Shotgun. Mr. Kephart goes at some length into the questions of range, trajectory and killing power of the different types of rifles and charges and also has chapters on rifle mechanisms, sights, barrels, and so forth. In the part dealing with shotguns he takes up the question of range, the effectiveness of various loads, suitability of the different types of boring, the testing of the shotguns by pattern, and so forth.

TRACKS AND TRACKING. By Josef Brunner. After twenty years of patient study and practical experience, Mr. Brunner can, from his intimate knowledge, speak with authority on this subject. "Tracks and Tracking" shows how to follow intelligently even the most intricate animal or bird tracks. It teaches how to interpret tracks of wild game and decipher the many tell-tale signs of the chase that would otherwise pass unnoticed. It proves how it is possible to tell from the footprints the name, sex, speed, direction, whether and how wounded, and many other things about wild animals and birds. All material has been gathered first hand; the drawings and half-tones from photographs form an important part of the work, as the author has made faithful pictures of the tracks and signs of the game followed. The list is: The White-Tailed or Virginia Deer—The Fan-Tailed Deer—The Mule-Deer—The Wapiti or Elk—The Moose—The Mountain Sheep—The Antelope—The Bear—The Cougar—The Lynx—The Domestic Cat—The Wolf—The Coyote—The Fox—The Jack Rabbit—The Varying Hare—The Cottontail Rabbit—The Squirrel—The Marten and the Black-Footed Ferret—The Otter—The Mink—The Ermine—The Beaver—The Badger—The Porcupine—The Skunk—Feathered Game—Upland Birds—Waterfowl—Predatory Birds—This book is invaluable to the novice as well as the experienced hunter.

"This book studied carefully, will enable the reader to become as well versed in tracking lore as he could by years of actual experience."—Lewiston Journal.

WING AND TRAP-SHOOTING. By Charles Askins. The only practical manual in existance dealing with the modern gun. It contains a full discussion of the various methods, such as snap-shooting, swing and half-swing, discusses the flight of birds with reference to the gunner's problem of lead and range and makes special application of the various points to the different birds commonly shot in this country. A chapter is included on trap shooting and the book closes with a forceful and common-sense presentation of the etiquette of the field.

"It is difficult to understand how anyone who takes a delight in hunting can afford to be without this valuable book."—Chamber of Commerce Bulletin, Portland, Ore.

"This book will prove an invaluable manual to the true sportsman, whether he be a tyro or expert."—Book News Monthly.

"Its closing chapter on field etiquette deserves careful reading."—N.Y. Times.

THE YACHTSMAN'S HANDBOOK. By Commander C.S. Stanworth, U.S.N. and Others. Deals with the practical handling of sail boats, with some light on the operation of the gasoline motor. It includes such subjects as handling ground tackle, handling lines and taking soundings, and use of the lead line; handling sails, engine troubles that may be avoided, care of the gasoline motor and yachting etiquette.

* * * * *

- Typographical errors corrected in text: Page 12: 'together with is long season' replaced with 'together with its long season' Page 32: prunned replaced with pruned Page 36: profiable replaced with profitable Page 65: humous replaced with humus Page 82: 'it must be sour' corrected to 'it must not be sour' In sentence referring to lime which is used to reduce acidity (sourness). Page 88: prsent replaced with present Page 105: tisses replaced with tissues Page 107: 'carried over the winter cankers' corrected to 'carried over the winter in cankers' Page 126: Jose replaced with Jose Page 163: (table) Syraying replaced with Spraying Page 163: (table) Syraping replaced with Spraying Page 164: 'The factors have always operated to deter' corrected to 'Two factors have always operated to deter' -

* * * * *

THE END