4 MAINE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. I903. 



That portion of the orchard adjacent to the plot selected is 

 planted to Kings, and remains in the condition the whole orchard 

 was in at the commencement of the experiment. 



In May, 1898, steamed bone, at the rate of 500 pounds per acre, 

 was sown broadcast over the whole area. Twenty-eight trees 

 (see plan of orchard, page 6) received a high grade complete 

 fertilizer — Bradley's XL — in the proportion of 5 pounds, 10 

 ounces per tree on an area with a 10 foot radius; or at the rate 

 of 800 pounds per acre. A like number of trees received a heavy 

 dressing of stable manure — i-io cord per tree — on an equal area, 

 of 10 feet radius. In accordance with the plan, one-half of each 

 lot was placed under thorough cultivation, and the other half 

 heavily mulched with meadow hay or sawdust. Owing to a 

 severe raid by the forest tent-caterpillar, the work of cultivation 

 was neglected the first season. 



In 1899, complete fertilizer and manure were applied, as 

 before. The cultivated portion was thoroughly tilled and the 

 trees made a vigorous growth. Both lots were markedly better 

 than the adjacent untreated trees, as shown in figures i, 2, and 3. 



In 1900, fertilizer and manure were applied as before. The 

 mulch was renewed and cultivation was continued during the 

 season. There was a moderate crop of fruit, but, owing to the 

 absence of the writer, no record of the yield was made. 



In 1901, fertilizer was applied, but no manure. 'The season 

 was very dry, but trees made a fair growth. There was no fruit 

 except a few Gravensteins. 



In 1902, neither fertilizer nor manure were applied. The 

 mulch seemed sufficient, as all grass and weeds on mulched areas 

 were held in check. The cultivated portion was plowed in June, 

 and harrowed twice during the summer. The season was moist 

 and many of the trees produced very satisfactory crops, though 

 there was a great variation as shown by the subjoined notes. 



The diagram on page 6 will serve, better than words, to con- 

 vey an idea of the relation of the trees mentioned in succeeding 

 notes, also to indicate clearly just which trees produced fruit this 

 year. 



