90 STATE POMOLOGICAI, SOCIETY. 



would ordinarily be regarded as making a satisfactory growth. 

 They are not, however, as large nor as productive as the culti- 

 vated trees. The untreated portion of the orchard has dropped 

 so far behind as to be out of the race. 



As a result of the work above referred to, and of general 

 observation throughout the eastern states, I am convinced that 

 the average New England hillside contains a sufficient amount 

 of food material, or nearly so, to insure good crops if the land is 

 properly handled ; and tillage, by improving the texture of the 

 soil, is the key to unlock this store of wealth. By fining the soil, 

 and thus increasing the feeding surface for the roots ; by increas- 

 ing the depth, and thus giving a greater foraging area; by 

 warming and drying the soil in the spring ; and by reducing the 

 extremes of temperature and moisture, the physical condition 

 will be rendered best for giving up the accumulated plant food. 



In ordinary orchard management mulching may be practiced 

 under certain circumstances ; but, where possible, thorough 

 tillage in early summer with a good cover crop sown by the first 

 of August is, I believe, the only proper treatment. 



