free Planting with du Pont dynamite. Cornell University Library SB 355.093 Tree planting with du Pont dynamite; new 3 1924 003 316 886 » EM. OU PONT DE NEMOURS RQWDER CO-MPAN^ •^ ' - —-—-^-' WILMINGTON. DELAWARE. U.S.A. D] i i i i [^fai[^ ii m DEALERS WANTED EVERYWHERE Vve want a acaler in every city, toAvn ana village not already covered. We request any naraware dealer or ^ 'neral store-keeper reading this booklet to mail the Card No. 3 on mside oack cover, ir he woula like to consider our proposition to nana out our literature and take orders for our proQucts tor agricultural or other uses. He need not carry any stocks or our goods nor make any investment of capital to do this. His orders -will be promptly rilled rrom the nearest magazine. D a D PROFESSIONAL BLASTERS CAN FIND PROFITABLE EMPLOYMENT ON FARMS Threshermen and others doing farm work of various kinds at certain seasons of the year can obtain much profitable employment from farm owners by learning to do blasting for them in case they do not w^ish to do it themselves. ^'^c ■would take pleasure in instructing any man in ^ methods of doing the work. Fur information on this subject, fill in and mail the Card No. 2 printed on the mside back cover. -■HL i-m^i. wiLMiMaroN. n«L Tree Planting WITH DYNAMITE NEW AND VALUABLE INFORMATION FOR PEACH, APPLE, PEAR, CHERRY, ORANGE, LEMON, PECAN OR- CHARDISTS, NURS- ERYMEN, GROWERS OF SMALL FRUITS, ETC COPYRIGHTED 1911, BY E. I. du Pont de Nemours Powder Co. ESTABLISHED 1802 : : : : WILMINGTON, DEL. Figure Five year old apple tree planted where old apple tree died of funju.. growth and wa« blaited out. See Crai« method paje 11 Man is holdini) 8 foot pole. DYNAMITE IN THE ORCHARD IJT HAS been conclusively proven that dynamite is an exceed- ingly valuable aid in the successful growing of trees. Those ■who have tried it are thoroughly convinced that no method of excavating the hole in which to plant a young tree is so economical, quick, or productive of desirable cifter-results ds blasting with dynamite. Sometime ago it was the prevailing idea that dynamite w^as unneces- sary for tree planting unless the soil chanced to be underlaid with hard- pan, in which case the explosive was regarded as valuable for breaking through the hard soil. It has been found by experiment, however, that trees thrive better when planted in blasted holes than in hand dug holes, even when no hardpan is encountered. The explanation of this is simple. It is because the explosion of the dynamite loosens up the soil for yards around the spot, kills all grubs, worms or other animal life likely to injure the young tree and thus makes root growth easy; whereas, digging the hole with tools tends to pack the earth around the roots and retard their growth. Scientific agriculturists have discovered that water is the most important element in all kinds of plant growth. Soil which is of the natural consistency to allow water to circulate freely through it and still retain or conserve it so that it is available at all times for growing plants, may be considered as ideal for agricultural purposes. Few soils possess this natural consistency. Other soils, which may be classified as good- average, or fair, must have artificial preparation in order to make them produce the results that may be expected from the rarely-found perfect natural soil. Few persons understand the principle of plant growth. It is not necessary, as many suppose, that the root of a plant shall come in actual contact with all of the plant food elements of the soil needed for the sustenance of the plant or tree. Plant roots have the power to draw from the surrounding soil the necessary elements of plant food, provid- ed the soil is of such a character as to permit the passage of these elements through it. Water or moisture is the carrier of these plant food elements through the soil and into the plant roots. This will in- dicate the importance of a porous soil which will permit the free passage of water through it in order that plants growing upon the sur- face may be properly nurtured for rapid and healthy growth, and it is because the action of an explosive on soil causes it to become thor- oughly loosened and aerated that trees planted in blasted holes show so much stronger and healthier growth than trees planted under old conditions. 3 p* yj In order to give those who may not understand the subject an idea of the scientific principles of plant growth, we will quote Mr. W. J. Spillman, Agriculturist in charge of Farm Management Investigations, Bureau of Plant Industries, U. S. Department of Agriculture. He says in a recent bulletin: "Plant food is dissolved in water. While a plant is growing, a constant stream of water flows up through it and evaporates at its leaves. For every pound of increase in dry matter made by the plant, from 300 to 500 pounds of water flow up through it.^ "Plants in their growth make use of thirteen elements, nine of "which they secure directly from the soil. These are called the mineral plant foods. They are phosphorous, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, silica, chlorin and sulphur. Soil consists mainly of small particles of rock. Nearly all kinds contain more or less of these mineral plant foods. Every year the soil w^ater dis- solves off a thin surface layer from each particle and plants appro- priate this water, thus securing their mineral plant food. Hydrogen, another important element of plant food, is also secured from w^ater. "In order to produce a ton of hay on an acre of land, it is neces- sary that the growing grass pump up from that ground approxi- mately 500 tons of water. In ■ order to supply this enormous quantity of water, the soil must notonly be in a condition to absorb and hold water well, but must be porous enough to permit water to flow freely through it. "In addition to acting as a water carrier for plant life, soil must permit a proper circulation of air through it. Nearly half of the volume of ordinary soils is accupied by air spaces. Soil which be- comes so compact as to stop the air passages, is too wet for most crops arid needs drainage, for plant roots must be supplied with air and the soil must be porous enough to permit of its free circula- tion. One of the most important objects of plowing is to loosen up the soil and mix fresh air with it." Orchardists and nlirserymen who have had long experience in planting trees in holes prepared by dynamite blasts, have learned that compact subsoil is broken up by the blasts, which enable the land, thus made porous, to absorb plenty of water in rainy Weather and store it up for the use of growing plants in dry weather. As Mr. Spillman says, this water in ascending to the plant roots, carries with it the many necessary soluble fertilizing elements. 5 Floure 4 Soil Kction .hi.wini downw.rd growth of root, to 21 tcct. and percent.^c o( vsriou. plant (ood. .t different depth.. A. the drawing and tabin were obtained Irom different .ource.. the percentage, do not indicate tho.e in the .oil i. the drawiii|J. but are coinpo.ite pcrcenlatfc. from analysed of diflcrent i°uil.. Few persons realize the depth of tree root expansion. In one of the " Farmers' Bulletins " issued by the United States Department of Agriculture, is shown a view of a cross section of orchard land which we reproduce on the opposite page. Note the scale on the sides, indicat- ing that this tree has sent its roots downward 21 feet into the soil. This is natural growth. Under normal conditions a healthy tree will seek its food in this way; but suppose a layer of hardpan is encountered at a depth of five or six feet? The roots must then spread out laterally for twenty feet or more. The result of this unnatural sidewise growth is that each tree in the orchard is compelled to go over into the feeding supply of its neighbor and consequently does not receive the necessary amount of plant food to properly nurture it and eJlow of its rapid growth. Its yield of fruit is also lessened by this forced encroaching of one tree on the feeding ground of its neighbor. Then too, a brief dry spell ex- hausts all the moisture from the thin feeding ground of such a tree stopping its growth or killing it. Dynamite blasting proves a simple and effective remedy for this condition. The blast breaks up the hardpan and permits the roots to take their natural downward course into the lower strata of soil in which plenty of plant food elements are available. Under these con. ditions, one tree is not interfered with by another; each one receives the benefit of all of the soil allotted to it at the time the surface was meas- ured and laid out at planting time. It must not be assumed from the above that dynamite blasting is beneficial only when the top soil is underlaid with hardpan. It is of the utmost importance to assist a tree, especially a young one, to send its roots out into its feeding bed as easily and rapidly as possible. The more porous and loose the soil, the more rapid will be the growth. Even in the loamy soils of Oregon, generally admitted to be the most perfect for fruit tree culture found in the United States, blasting has proven extremely beneficial in forwarding the growth of young fruit trees as is shown in the letter of Orcharc^'-' Pci.viey, which appears on page 9 of this booklet. The main object to be sought in tree planting, is to so prepare the ground that the growing tree can absorb as large a percentage of mois- ture as possible from the soil which it occupies. Loosening and aerat- ing the soil accomplishes this purpose. A Cornell University authority advises that a tree planted in soil properly prepared, can absorb 69% of the moisture contained in it. 7 9 ~ in It < 5 > View of part of Edgerogue Oreliard, Grants Pass, Oregon, every tree set with dynamite. This Interesting Letter from an Oregon Orchardist, Proves the Efficiency and Economy of Dynamite for Tree Planting and Cultivating. Du Pont Powder Co., Grants Pass, Oregon, May 12, 1911. Wilmington, Delavi^are. Gentlemen: — In reply to your inquiry as to our success witK orchard trees set in dynamited holes, I am sending you photographs of four trees that ans'wer your question. Figures 5 and 6 are Bellflower apple trees; Figure 5 -was set in a spade dug hole, and Figure 6 in a dynamited hole. Figures 7 and 8 are Bing cherry trees; Figure 7 "was set in a spade dug hole, and Figure 8 in a dynamited hole. These four trees -were part of a shipment of year old nursery stock received and set out the latter part of March, 1909. The photographs w^ere taken about the 15th of April, 1911, two years after setting out, just as they -were coming into leaf. Bellflow^er apple tree Figure 6 w^as pinched back in June, 1909, about ten weeks after planting. It Tvaa shortened in by removing some two feet of growth from each main lateral the following November. In 1910 it had the same treatment. It is a very vigorous tree Tvith healthy foliage and fine color. Bellflow^er apple tree Figure 5 had as good ground to grow in, but w^as spade set and made such small gro'^vth it needed neither pinching back nor pruning. Not a bit of gro'wth, not a leaf has been removed from the head of this tree since planting. The trunk ia less than a half inch in diameter, while the dynamite set mate to it, tree No. 1, has several branches thicker and finer than the trunk of Figure 5. The Bing cherry trees. Figures 7 and 8 have the same identical history as Bellflower apples Figures 4 and 5, with the exception that w^e did not shorten in at fall pruning Figure 8 as much as we did apple No. 6. We have heavier tops and taller trees of these varieties in the orchard, but these trees arc t-wo favorites, very typical of their kind and strike a favorable average for the lot of five hundred. From 2S0 apple trees so set 'we got a perfect stand, not one of which is missing or replaced. V/e use dynamite for making holes in planting trees on our very best and deepest ground, as well as the poor spots. It is much cheaper than hand labor; it is much quicker when speed is a most important point and delay -will cause the loss of many trees. It insures every advantage to the tree getting a good start. 9 #' ,w*'r >;wi" 9 A itaiwnffii y>3g^ J ♦* ^"^: O ^.•i u CO •r V en » u 10 After tne orchard is staked, one man ■with a shovel removes a circle of surface soil from ahout the stake, usually five cuts or so, w^hioh is laid to one side to use in filling the hole to proper level before setting the tree with the roots carefully pruned back. A second man follows the first with a crow bar and w^orks the hole down where the stake comes out. If a stone or anything of the sort is encountered -we dig it out. If a spot of hard sediment or hardpan is encountered the hole is put through. These holes are about eighteen inches deep. We use one stick of dynamite properly fitted with 18 incbes of besl fuse for the average hole. It ia dropped to the bottom of the hole, tamped down, then fuse is lighted. There is very little stuff thrown up, the force going down and out. The holes are allowed to stand probably over night, or part of the next day, are probed with a crow bar, and, if satisfactory, the sides are broken in, the top earth at one side filled in, and the hole ia ready for the tree. We have set all our trees in wet weather, which insures a storage of moisture under the tree. If one were compelled to set in dry earth a generous supply of water should be added to settle the hole prior to throw^ing on top earth that makes the bed for the tree to set on. Twice each spring a circle should be worked up to a fine mulch about the depth of a spading fork. This circle of mulch should be kept loose, unbaked and free of weeds the entire growing season. Last November we had occasion to remove some filler trees. Grimes, Golden apples, seven months after setting out, one of which "was spade set. They -were taken up with the greatest care so we could get the roots out intact just to prove to ourselves what difference in root gro-wth we -would find in sam^e variety, in perfectly matched trees on the same ground. from the two methods of sefling. The spade set tree had a fine bushy and vigorous tassel of roots about a foot long. The dynamiite set tree had two roots going down som,e three feet or over. I held it out at arm^s length, my hand clasped around the graft scar, and the roots touched the earth. Also, it had a great quantity of medium and short growi:h roots. The difference was so great and convincing that we now have thirty acres of new orchard atid every tree is set with dynamite. You -will probably be amused at my zeal, but I used half sticks of dynamite in making up a rose bed," and also for a hardy border set with peonies and other perennials. Am happy to say the peony plants are now ready to bloom profusely their first season, although, hitherto, I have failed to bloom them before the second or third year in the new ground. ^Ve wouldn't undertake to clear ground or set new trees, shade or orchard, 'without using dynamite, notwithstanding our soil is a beautiful loam, with little stone in it, and run* from five to six feet deep. Yours truly, MRS. JOHN RAWLEY. RESULTS OF BLASTING ON ROSECLIFF FRUIT FARM Dynamite Kills Fungus Disease. Makes Trees Grow Twice as Fast. Having learned that Mr. James Craig, President of the Rosecliil Fruit Farm of Waynesboro, Va., has been using dynamite in the tree planting and regeneration work in his extensive orchards for several years, we sent an investigator to obtain his views. The following is a report of the interview: Mr. Craig is a very progressive fruit grower. He is one of the first among Eastern orchardists to employ orchard heaters; as a result of this enterprise the fruit on his trees was saved in the spring of 1911, when a heavy frost killed all other fruit in the neighborhood. Mr. Craig has also used dynamite for killing fungus diseases in the ground under and around old trees which have died of fungus diseases. As a result, he has been able to use the ground for replanting, something which has been considered inadvisable previously. Our representative obtained a number of photographs of trees on Mr. Craig's property, some of which we reproduce in this booklet. 11 o o a .a u ** 1 a .2 5^ S « s. -io <; -a O I .^o PJHJ ■■ w ■ Hj n t 1^'^ '^l^irM V \^Bii^^^^^l f . ■ f ^f^Pf^H i ki. ^hIt^. HH BjiSK^^ m o .A J e < o 8 I .a 12 Figure I shows a five year old apple tree planted where an old apple tree had died of a fungus disease, which indicates Mr. Craig'a success in overcoming this dread disease. Figure 1 shows a six year old apple tree planted in ground pre- pared by exploding a half cartridge of 40% strength Red Cross Extra Dynamite at a depth of eighteen inches. Figure 9 shows a view of another tree planted in the same month of the same year by the ordinary method of digging a hole with spade and pick. By comparing the height of this tree with the man holding an eight foot rod in his hand, also shown in each picture, the differ- ence in the size of the trees can easily be seen. Figure 1 1 shows a nine year old tree planted in ground prepared by blasting a half stick of 40% strength Red Cross Dynamite at a depth of eighteen inches. Figure 1 2 shows a nine-year old tree planted in spade-dug hole. The two trees just referred to, are not 200 feet apart. The soils in both plots shown are practically identical; the trees in these orchards are both of the same species of apples; but, as will be noted frorh the photographs, the trees planted with dynamite show very good growth, whereas the trees which were not planted with dynamite show up poorly. In February of 1911, Mr. Craig did some blasting in his orchard, with a view of loosening up the soil midway between his trees. He used in each hole one-half cartridge of 40% Red Cross Extra Dynamite, exploded at a depth of eighteen inches. One of the objects of this blasting was to break up some shale underlying a great many of the trees and preventing the deep growth of the roots. To see what results these blasts accomplished, some of the soil was afterwards dug out with shovels. It viras discovered that the ground had been broken up at a radius of from six- and one-half to eight and one-half feet from the hole in which the blast had been discharged, thus giving the tree roots an opportuiiity for deeper and more healthy expansion. It is generally known that Oregon orchardists enjoy the cream of the trade in apples, pears and certain other fruits. There are numerous reasons for this; chief among these, probably, is the beautiful coloring of the fruit they produce. There is something extremely appetizing and attractive about the glorious big red apples sent to the markets by the Oregon growers. People are attracted to the fruit stands by this color- ing. They are willing to pay double the price of ordinary fruit for an apple which thus tempts them. Even the coloring cf fruit may be in- fluenced by dynamite blasting. The phosphate, nitrate and potash salts, if permitted to lie in the soil insoluble, due to lack of moisture, cannot be made use of by the tree; but when the ground is loosened up to permit of the free passage of moisture through it, these salts become soluble and are then taken up by the roots of the tree, sent to the fruit, 13 _ 1 PKIj^ ■ m ^^^^^^B ' '^%' 'jffliii^^l ■ •* mM I hi ^^■f '^H ■■ k| ^^^^^^^^^K" '^mPIS^^^^I ^^H Hh ^■w ■ ''1' fW' k S'^HHH ^^H ^^H H^l hi =3 ' a _ •D.i J! 3 E Z 5 E 14 and acting in conjunction with the sun's rays, the fruit is then turned to the desired high coloring. An orchard which lacks moisture will pro- duce fruit of a pale color. An important discovery was recently made by Mr. J. C. Whitten, Horticulturist of the University of Missouri. He found that fungus dis- eases which attack the roots of apple trees could be controlled or prevented by discharging a charge of dynamite in the ground beneath a dying apple tree, or under the stump of an old apple tree, or in the ground where a stump had stood, allowing it to weather all winter. This discovery saves much valuable orchard land, as formerly it was impossible to plant an apple tree at a point where an apple tree had died, or a peach tree where a peach tree had died of a fungus disease. Mr. W. R. MacDonald of Columbus, Kansas, reported that he plant- ed 9 peach trees a few years ago to determine positively whether any- thing was to be gained by using dynamite. Three of the trees were planted in holes made by drilling a two inch auger hole three or four feet deep and detonating a charge of explosives in the bottom; and the other six were plcinted in holes of the regulation size dug by hand. Three years later, the trees which had been planted in the blasted holes were stronger and healthier, and produced between five and six bushel? of very fine peaches, but the six trees planted in the same ground with- out blasting, bore practically no peaches, both fruit and leaves having shriveled up and dropped off during the dry season. A similar experience was that of Mr. Howard Hester of Colony, Kansas, who set out an apple orchard more than twenty years ago. After digging holes for a number of the young trees, he bought a case of dynamite, some blasting caps, and safety fuse, with which to blast holes for the remaining trees. He reports that the trees planted in blasted holes are superior in every way to the others, and that they have pro- duced better fruit and more of it ever since they began bearing. The reason why blasting^between the row^s benefits the trees is that it's at ends of roots trees take up moisture and plant food. No mositure; no food. During summer little moisture reaches ground Euround trees within the foliage area; the foliage deflects it to edge of foliage line, hence, trees do not get the moisture they should. Naturally the earth under the foliage protected area absorbs it away from end of roots. Hence, extra valuable results accrue from subsoiling between row^s. DYNAMITED TREES THRIVE IN SPITE OF UNFAVORABLE SEASON. St. Clairsville, C, July 10, 1911. 'We have, this year, used dynamite in planting orchard trees. So far as the season has gone under the most unfavorable season in years "we have had most satisfactory results. "We intend to plant, this Fall, 500 to 1000 trees in the same way, -which we would not do if past trial had not proven a success. "Will report to you again regarding our experience. We are. Yours truly, THE RILEY FRUIT FARM Per J. W. Riley. 15 wawp*«™^ i|p^Jiiy||||i pHj^^^^^HHRR^BH^H IKi '<'"% '^ERBli lllMwnM^^^^H^DHB^:,iJ|^l^^^l IHUiflBiUiiltfti .'ivHr^'^imiSi Ik ^ ^^^^^B^^P'^^^H^ 'iKs^^ ^i^?a H^HIhh ^gj^fe^^jSjgk^^^ F^^^^^^^^H ^^^- ■ "^" l^^^^^sl i\ J^^iJBI^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^H ^^^^^EMcdW^itfSj^^^r'A^^iiciiiiz^H^ ^HH||||y|^||Hg^,,.. ^^l^^^^^HK " ' '^^^HHi Figure 13 Portion oi ro'W oi grapevines that Had been dynamited the previous Fall Figure 1A Grapevinea 20 feet away on same row. which were not dynamited It; Arlington Heights Land Company of Riverside, California, have used explosives for several years in their orange groves. Mr. James Mills, Manager of this Company, has probably had more experience along this line than any man in Southern California. His method is to put down a hole 5 feet deep between four trees in which the charge ia exploded. The shot throws out the rock or hardpan and leaves an excavation about 6 feet square and 5 feet deep. This hole is then filled with alternate one foot layers of manure and surface soil. Mr. Mills advises that on a recent visit of a prominent horticulturist connected with the U. S. Department of Agriculture, he opened one of these holes to show results. They found a perfect net work of lateral roots and feeders, showing that four trees were obtaining nourishment from this one hole. The property is now one of the best paying invest- ments in California, and the management attributes its success to the methods employed. Other California orange growers blast between their trees in August, September, and October, when the ground becomes so hard and dry that it will not absorb moisture. When thoroughly broken up by the blasts, the trees, which were formerly wilted, will show new life and vigor in from seven to ten days. Orchard Dynamited Twenty-one Years Ago. A pioneer in tree planting with dyneimite was W. R. Gunnis, of San Diego, California, who, some twenty-one years ago, planted an orchard in this manner at La Mesa, near San Francisco. It appeeurs that Mr. Gunnis observed the necessity for breeiking up hard and impervious sub-soils as preliminary to successful tree-planting, and after struggling with the cruder method of pick and shovel, finally hit upon the idea of using dynamite, thus obtaining the result in view^ at a reduced cost, and with a great saving of time and labor. About forty acres were planted. The charges of dynamite were exploded in the midst of the hard stratum and the trees planted in the holes thus excavated. It w^as observed that the orchard matured more rapidly and resisted drouth and other unfavorable conditions with marked success. For many years this orchard was recognized as one of the most productive and best appearing in the neighborhood. Some of the trees are still thriving, although the tract has been subdivided and used as residence property. Reviving Failing Trees Dyneutnite is also an effective agent in regenerating old orchards. A charge of slow acting explosive under or between old trees, loosens up the soil and allows more root expansion, besides killing ground worms, v^rhich may be injuring the roots. 17 BLASTING SAVES DYING GRAPE VINES. Wilmington, Del., June 3, 1911. On my farm near Here I have quite a number of grape vines and a year ago I noticed at the time the leaves should have all been out that the vines appeared to be dead. The buds appeared to be blighted in some way. However, late in the season the leaves finally came out but there was no grapes on the vines. Last fall I had a demonstrator on the place doing aome subsoil blasting and I had him blast between the rows of grape vines about every 10 feet or 12 feet along about % of the rows, the balance was left unblasted to see whether there w^ould be any difference between the blasted and unblasted. This spring on the vines on the ground that was blasted the leaves came out early and grapes formed in abundance while the portion that was not blasted was exactly the same as a year ago. It would look as though the blast- ing had conserved the moisture during the -winter and made the vines more vigorous and better able to overcome the blighting conditions than the portion not blasted. W. C. MATTHEWS. DYNAMITE SAVES OVER HALF OF NEW SETTINGS, ALTHOUGH GROUND HAD NEVER BEEN PLOWED. E. I. du Pont de Nemours Pjwder Company, Parkersburg. W^. Va., Wilmington, Delaware. July 8th, 1911 Gentlemen: — Our first experience -w^ith dynamite in orchard work ^vas during the spring of 1911. Sufficient time has not yet elapsed to demonstrate positively the benefits to accrue. The season in this locality has been extremely unfavorable for starting a young orchard. The soil has been unsually dry ever since the trees -were planted. As "we considered the use of dynamite in the orchard -work in the nature of an experi- ment, -we left a number of checks for comparison. ^Ve used dynamite for digging holes for planting of apples, pears, quinces, cherries and plums. In all these, the trees 'were planted in sod, and the ground -was not broken except with dynamite. In other portions of our orchard the same kinds of trees were planted in ground that -^as carefully plowed and has been since cultivated several times. There is no decided difference in the trees planted by the t^*'0 methods. AVhere the trees -were planted in sod, how^ever, without the use of dynamite, from sixty to se^enly-fi'Ve per ce?it, are dead. Whereas, where the dynamite was used, the loss ■v.-iW not exceed t'WO or three per cent.j and in the cases where the loss occurs, the cause is foreign to natural conditions. In addition to the large fruits above mentioned, -we have just recently cultivated ■ vineyard by putting in small shots of one-third of a stick each, every eight feet in the row. We w^ere led to do this after seeing what w^e believe to be decided benefits in its use for planting and cultivating apples and other fruits. In addition to this, -we used dynamite for cultivating, in a limited 'way, an old orchard. The trees in this orchard are from t-wenty to thirty years of age. Up to the present season the orchard has been badly neglected. We used one-third of a stick directly under the trunk of the tree, about three and one-half feet deep. The explosion did not disrupt the surface, but evidently broke up the subsoil and destroyed the old formation -which bound the roots of the trees. This was used early in the season before the trees were in bloom. These trees at this time show a decided advantage over trees in the same orchard under like conditions, which -were not so treated. T\ie ^ro-wth\iaii\>ccn at least t^vtnty-jii'e per cent, i^rtater thty are loaded more hen^vily ojuith fruit than the other trees, the fruit is lander sise^^ and the leaves and general appearance of the trees indicate a more vigorous thrifty condition. W'e consider the use of dynamite in the cultivation of an orchard, as above described, one of the m«st beneficial purposes to which its use is adapted. Our experience, up to this time, indicates a more extensive U5e of dynamite in the future. Its use is both expeditious and economical. Its benctit.t are peculiarly apparent in a dry season like this. By its use the roots of the trees are permitted a v^^^-^ter penetration than would be possible by any other method, thus, to a certain extent making the tree inde- pendent of surface conditions. We liifit, approximately t a ton of dynamUe this season, nvithout the slightett .;.././/■«/. The men become familiar ^vith its uie and do not consider the labor hazardous. Yours truly, ROSEMAR ORCHARD COMPANY. By B. P. M,Mt.. Pre5ident 18 PLANTS SIX HUNDRED ACRES OF CITRUS FRUITS WITH DYNA- MITE FOR $6.00 AN ACRE. Woodlake, Cal.. June 30, 1911. During the past tKree years we bave set out six hundred acres of lemon and orange trees and in every instance have used a stick of your dynamite (Red Cross) in the hole where the tree was planted. The trees are aU healthy and doing fine. There is a very marked difference between the trees that were set in this manner and those not dynamited. In using this dynamite w^e hore a hole three feet with a two inch auger at a cost of about two cents per hole, which, w^ith the cost of the dynamite and the labor in exploding same for ninety holes per acre is about $6. 00 per acre. There is no other manner which the ground can be prepared so well for planting at this cost. WOODLAKE ORCHARD COMPANY, By G. F. Stevenson. DYNAMITED NEW TREES SUCCESSFULLY SURVIVED DROUTH. New Albany, Ind., June 29, 1911. Gentlemen: — I used dynamite in planting my orchard of more than four thousand trees I used one-third of a stick of 40 % dynamite for each tree. I drilled a hole for each tree about t"WO feet deep and tamped the dynamite tightly, exploding each charge -with fuse. The ex- plosion loosened the soil -n^ithin a radius of about four feet to a depth of about thirty-six inches. "With my long experience of planting trees, I find the use of dynamite the most success- ful method. The loosened soil acts as a reservoir to hold moisture. I planted my orchard in the spring and find that my loss of dead trees wU not exceed tijo, notwithstanding the fact that we have had a six ^cveeks* drouth, this lo'W percentage being due to the loosened soil holding moisture. Under no circumstances would I think of planting an orchard wthout the use of dynamite. I recommend it as the cheapest, quickest, most successful and most satisfactory method. NEWTON A. GREENE, Mayor, City Niw Albany, Indiana DYNAMITE SUCCESSFULLY USED FOR TWENTY YEARS IN CRANBERRY GROWING. Mr. A. J. Rider, Secretary of the American Cranberry Grower's' Association, of Hammonton, N. J., writes : I have used dynamite in the development of my cranberry enterprises with success and economy for the past twenty years. In removing obstructions from wat-ir-oourses, opening ditches and preparing the way for dams and flood-gates it is especially as rful. _ I keep a supply on hand at all times, and my foremen are all instructed in its use. Its saving in time and labor thus effected is very great. Dynamite will make a straight ditch and under conditions with which nothing but a dredging machine could cope. In excavating for flood gates the mud walls are temporarily packed so solidly that water hardly seeps through. A crow bar and a stick of dynamite wi 1 stop a leak in a dam that would otherwise require hours, and possibly days of labor. Ab cranberrv p'ints are susceptible to fungus diseases, and much experimenting has been done by ' - .1,1. A-xr*...! — .. i._j — ' ^ble to givescientifi'* lampton, one of my stop a leak in a dam that would otherwise require hours, and possibly days of labor. Ab cranberrv p'ints are susceptible to fungus diseases, and much experimenting has been done by grower! and government experts to control this enemy. Without being able to givescientifi- reasons I owe it to dynamite that there has never been fungus growth at Ha largest plantations, where I have used it freely. , i . i i i If the advantages tp be obtained through the use of dynamite were brought to the attention of all large cranberry growers I believe you would be doing them a great se^e. Very truly yours, A J. KlUHK, FAMOUS ORCHARDIST USES DYNAMITE IN PLANTING AND RENOVATING ORCHARDS. E. I. du Pont de Nemours Powder Co., Wilmington, Del February 22, 1911. Gentlemen: —I am just back from a two weeks stay in our Georgia Orchards. While I was there we continued further blasting for the replanting of about 3000 trees where they had failed in one of our older orchards. I also looked over carefully the two little blocks of trees we planted with dynamite last season and the results are even better than 1 had been led to believe when I left there the middle of July. In the meantime 1 am becoming further interested in the matter and in the recommendations for renovating some ot the old apple orchards in New England and want my clients to try dynamiting a portion of the land around these trees, especially when they are m particularly strong heavy soil. Yours, J. H. HALE. NOTS.— Mr. Hale is the owner of several of the largest commercial orchards in the United States. 19 DYNAMITE SUCCESSFULLY USED IN PLANTING PECAN TREES. Mr. S. H. Bolinger, President Clear Creek Lamber Company, Shreveport, La., writei ua under date of April 26th, 1911, that he used dynamite in blasting the holes in which 1.080 pecan trees were planted a year ago; also for planting 8,000 peach trees. He says the per- centage of loss on the pecan trees (which are among the most difficult to set so that they will live) ■was almost nothing compared to the loss on other trees planted in the ordinary vrty. Mr. Bolinger explains ho^v the planting w^as done. The soil -wu a hard sand clay A 2-inch auger Mrith a long shank was used and a 2-inch hole bored about 4 to 4 }^ f e«t deep. In the auger hole one stick of 40% dynamite with fuse attached wai inserted, the hale filled and lightly tamped; then exploded. The explosion created a space of about the size of an ordinary barrel. The ground was not blown out but -was simply raised on the top about 3 or 4 inches. In almost every case, hoivever, it could be seen that the ground had been thoroughly loosened up for a distance of 10 to 15 feet all around the hole. A post hole digger "was then used to bore through the top surface to the vacant space below: the surface soil necessary to bore through -was about 10 to 15 inches thick. The top soil was then filled in to the depth necessary and the trees planted in the holes, the ground being ^nrell packed around the roots. It is Mr. Bolinger's opinion that the planting ^ViB successful because the opening up oi the soil under the trees by exploding the charge of dynamite created a space for the storage oi moisture -which was held throughout the dry spell that followed the planting and thus kept the trees alive and in healthy condition. GAINED TWO YEARS BY PLANTING WITH DYNAMITE Gentlemen; — It may be a surprise to you to learn that I have been using dynamite for planting trees for a number of years and have some shade trees planted in that ^vay eighteen or tn^enty years ago. They are the finest trees 1 have ever seen grow for their age. In the planting of peach trees I gained two years in six; in other words, I got as much fruit from a tree planted -witli dynamite at four years eld as we usually get at six years old. I not only plant them with it but -n^here a tree is failing and seems to be on the decline, I start it off to gro^ong again by firing charges from three to ten feet apart. Nothing seems to tickle the earth so much as planting -watermelons after explosion of dynamite from three to four feet under ground. I plant Ahem t-wenty feet apart each -way. Fertilize heavily and the vines bjar right on until frost, the entire summer. Yours very truly, W. W. STEVENS, Orchardist, Mayfield. Ga. TWO MEN AND DYNAMITE ONE DAY BETTER TH.\X THREE MEN ONE WEEK WITHOUT DYNAMITE A. F. BORNOT BRO. CO., I7th Street and Falrmount Avenue Philadelphia, Pa., April 26, 1911. Dear Sirs: — Your Mr. Fulmer was here Monday and together we mide about one hundred holes which has enabled my gardener to plant one hundred peach trees the followinf day. Three men could not have done the same amount of -work in a -week. The ground is no-w very loose; 1 am more than pleased and -would not plant another tree on my place -with- out explosives. Very respectfully, A F BORNOT BRO. CO. L USED IN LARGEST PEACH ORCHARD IN U. S. Superintendent J. H. Baird, of the famous H iL Georgia Orchard, of Fort Valley, Georgia writes under date of May 20th, 1911: "The trees planted this se-ivork; also explain ho *.* I may become a professional blaster and \iovf you ^vill help me secure 'tvork at bla.'iting from farmers in my neighborhood. Name St. 6^ No. or R F. D To-wn State Post Card No. 3 IF YOU WANT TO BECOME A DEALER-CUT OUT, FILL IN AND MAIL THIS CARD E. I. du Pont de Nemours Powder Co., ^Vilmington, Del. Gentlemen: Please send me, free, your Farmer's Handbook containing full information shout the use of Red Cross Dynamite in Farm-work, and your proposition to storekeepers involving the taking of orders only, carrying no stock of dynamite. Name - St. 6; No. or R. F. D . Town - - - State ^Vhat is your present business ? ^- -- Who is your Jobber ?