Fertilizers for Fruits. 49 



2 P. M. 



The society again met at the Court House, shortly after the 

 return from the lake. President Smith called up the question, 

 What are the best 



FERTILIZERS FOR FRUITS. 



He thought careful experiments on this point would be of great 

 value. More attention is being given to the subject of fertilizers 

 now, than ever before. Different elements and compounds are 

 being tried, and the best method of application. He had lately 

 given more attention to this subject. His main dependence had 

 been, and still is, the compost heap, but he had been trying lately 

 to manufacture phosphates out of bones obtained from a slaughter- 

 house, by dissolving them with acids, ashes and hen manure; when 

 fully dissolved, puts in dry earth to take up the excess of moisture 

 and make it more suitable to mix with the soil. In this way he 

 expected to get a strong fertilizer, and one that would have a 

 marked effect on the soil for a number of seasons; should try it on 

 his strawberry beds when in bearing, and anticipated large returns. 



In reply to an inquiry as to the treatment of his strawberry beds, 

 he said that he made a practice of giving thorough culture and a 

 heavy coat of manure. In preparing the ground for a bed, he com- 

 menced in the fall, by putting on twenty loads or more of manure 

 to the acre, turning it under, plowing deep; in the spring, before 

 setting out the plants, he manured it again, using fine, well rotted 

 manure. This he harrowed in, mixing it thoroughly. The first 

 season he cultivates often, keeping the soil loose and free from 

 weeds. Late in the fall, he mulches the beds, putting on about an 

 inch in depth, of light, dry covering, usually pine leaves or old hay. 

 The covering should not be so thick or of such a character as to 

 keep the plants very wet, as this will cause them to rot. In the 

 spring he rakes off the mulching and gives another coat of fine 

 manure, twelve or fifteen loads to the acre. 



Information was asked as to whether corn stalks and bagasse 

 were suitable for winter protection. Mr. Tuttle stated that he had 

 used cornstalks to cover his vines last winter with verv good sue- 

 4 — Hort. So. 



