288 AGRICUWUR^ OF MAINE). 



course it will take several years to accomplish the results 

 sought. 



These experiments as given show only the fertilizing treat- 

 ment of the soil. All other orchard conditions should come in, 

 and each plot should have the best treatment possible under all 

 of the orchard requirements. 



If the trees are set two rods apart there would be forty trees 

 to the acre. This is about right for the average orchard. In 

 order to state the amount of fertilizer to be used per acre or 

 under forty trees we will assume that our orchard is at least 

 twenty or thirty years old. A younger orchard would not 

 need so much fertilizer per tree. The fertilizer should be 

 applied evenly under the trees, not nearer than a three foot circle 

 and extending a little beyond the circle of the outer branches. 



In the plot marked Tankage I have used an average compo- 

 sition, as the analysis varies with almost every sample taken, on 

 account of the different conditions involved in its production. 

 In the one given the analysis stood, — nitrogen 8.26 and phos- 

 phoric acid 8.75. An application of six pounds to a tree would 

 give a sufficient amount of nitrogen. This would not be needed 

 where barn manure was used, as the manure contains sufficient 

 nitrogen. 



Potash is considered to be the color agent for fruit, but as 

 much depends upon the season during September and October, 

 as upon any artificial process, although in the long run it seems 

 advisable not to depend entirely upon the chance of having just 

 the right conditions for the best results, but endeavor to help 

 out Nature in her color problems. Some soils may possess 

 enough potash so that any addition will not show results. 

 There is no question as to the value of good hard wood ashes 

 for the orchard. 



the; old orchard. 



How to handle the old orchard is a problem for much thought. 

 There is no doubt but that, in the long run, it would be much 

 more profitable to remove the whole lot and start over again. 

 In the majority of cases the old trees were set too near together 

 and now the tops are twenty or thirty feet from the ground so 

 that the owner has to risk life or limb in the endeavor to procure 



