i6 



MAINE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. I903. 



In 1893, no satisfactory growth being made, Professor Balen- 

 tine's experiment, with his consent, was abandoned. An appli- 

 cation of stable manure was then made and the orchard was 

 plowed. It was seeded down the next year, however, and 

 remained without further attention until 1898. 



In May, 1898, the orchard was plowed and harrowed. Steamed 

 bone at the rate of 500 pounds per acre, was applied broadcast 

 over the whole area. The various potash salts were then applied 

 at the rate of 1,000 pounds per acre on an area of 15 feet radius 

 about each tree. As with the previous experiment, the work of 

 further cultivation this season was prevented by the severe attack 

 of forest caterpillars. 



.*i^.„-* -L:j»n- ifej 



Figure 9. Neglected trees lose^ their leaves early. 



In 1899, the orchard was plowed and thoroughly tilled and 

 sprayed during June, July and August. Potash salts were 

 applied as before. The result in the fall was most noticeable. 

 The foliage was healthy and vigorous on all of the plots, and 

 remained on the trees much longer than on the adjacent unculti- 

 vated and unfertilized trees. (See figures 9 and 10.) There 

 was, however, very little fruit. 



