326 STATE HOETICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



necessary to apply manure at the time of setting, or, indeed, until they 

 come into bearing-. But if the soil is thin and impoverished, and we 

 expect to grow exhaustive crops, we must fertilize, or our trees will be 

 stunted and our crops will not pay for the cultivation. 



I do not believe in a forced or hot-house growth in young trees, as 

 they are apt to go into winter quarters in an immature condition, and 

 are more apt to be killed or injured by the sudden blizzards we now 

 so often have. I much prefer to have a slower and more healthy 

 growth. 



I planted a small orchard last spring, consisting of apples, pear& 

 and peaches. 



The ground on which it was planted has been in cultivation for 

 25 years, and has never had a particle of manure applied to it. I have 

 Keiffer pear trees that made a new growth of 5* feet, and apples and 

 peaches a fine growth. But it must be understood that the ground 

 was thoroughly prepared, the trees well planted and well cultivated, 

 and this I believe is the key-note to the successful growth of young 

 trees. 



After the trees have come into bearing, then they will need fertiliz- 

 ing, as they will have to perform the double function of developing 

 wood-growth, and perfecting the fruit. What kind of fertilizers shall 

 we use"? 



Barn-yard manure, together with wood ashes, is in my opinion the 

 best fertilizer you can possibly apply to an orchard. 



Scientific investigation, as well as the experience of eminent men, 

 has demonstrated that this is about as near a perfect combination of 

 plant-food as it is possible to obtain. Sometimes it may be necessary 

 to apply lime, but on most of our soil this is not needed. 



How shall we fertilize ? 



Always scatter broadcast over the entire orchard. This may be 

 done by the use of a manure spreader, or in the ordinary way by fork 

 and shovel. The plan of piling up manure around the base of the trees 

 I strongly condemn. The little rootlets that absorb the plant food 

 necessary to the growth of the tree and perfection of its fruit are 

 found away from its base, and hence do not receive the full benefit. 

 Aside from this, it is a harbor for mice and noxious insects. 



I have now said sufiBeient to place this question before you, and 

 hope in the discussion that may follow, many points will be brought 

 out on which I have not touched. 



