6 



we have said that tlie earth should be packed firmly against the 

 roots so that tliej can readily absorb moisture. So it is with the 

 seed awaiting germination ; it gerijiinates promptly when it is able 

 to absorb soil moisture and is under the influence of a sufficient 

 degree of warmth. For this reason clover seed rolled in, will germi- 

 nate quicker on dryish soil than unrolled seed. The character of 

 the soil must be taken into consideration in connection with the 

 treatment it should receive. 



Cover-crop plants are of two types : leguminotcs and non-legumi- 

 nous. The leguminous are usually the more valuahle. — Among 

 desirable legumiuous plants for the orchard are the clovers, peas, 

 beans and vetches. Among the non-leguminous types are buck- 

 wheat, rye and rape. The legumes are nitrogen collectors. For 

 this reason they are much more valuable than the non-leguminous 

 class. As a rule, too, roots of clover penetrate very deeply. In 

 this respect they are of particular value in improving the physical 

 qualities of the soil. 



To obtain the full benefit of the cover-crop it should be plowed 

 under early in the spring. There is a temptation to give the cover- 

 crop a chance to make growth in spring before plowing it under. 

 This is bad practice except when the land has too much moisture ; 

 in these circumstances it may be of some service in using surplus 

 water. If it is allowed to orrow stronjj; and rank l)efore turninor 

 under, the fibre becomes tough and does not readily decay. On 

 the other hand, if turned under early in spring, as soon as the 

 ground can be worked, decay sets in promptly, and the humus thus 

 produced becomes a prompt worker in carrying out its mission in 

 the soil. Think of the mission of green manure. 



Manures for orchard c/upn are onainly of two hinds: those 

 from domestic sources and those produced hy the manufacturer. 

 The latter are commonly called " commercial fertilizers^ — Barn- 

 yard manure influences the soil in* two ways: (1) By means of the 

 plant-food furnished ; and (2) by the addition of vegetable fibre, 

 which improves the physical condition. If the land is sticky clay 

 it is made more porous and less compact. The insoluble particles 

 are separated and are thus more readily acted upon by dissolving 



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