520 ' BOARD OF AGJJU TLTUIM:. 



THE STONE FRUITS. 



It is the iron wliicli inipresnates tlio soil in that famous valley of 

 Annapolis, Nova Scotia, renowiiod the world over as one of the greatest 

 fruit bells. Such a soil to the fruit growers at once would be recognized, 

 and would give body and flavoi' to fruits, wliich is of much commercial 

 importance. 



Roland INIorrili, one of Micliigan's greatest peach growers, hunted 

 quite a while b{>fore he found a soil suitable for a peach orchard, and 

 finally located in Texas, now known as the Morrill Orchard Company. 



This company began operations in the spring of 1902, and have thirteen 

 thousand acres. 



The land is made up of red, chocolate and gray sandy loam, having a 

 red clay subsoil. The point I would have you to consider is the nature of 

 your soil. Hence, the importance of an education. 



AA'ill soil that is impregnated with iron have a tendency to preserve 

 the fruit budsV 



Now, the subject of growing good peaches, that will bring fancy prices, 

 is one wliich intimately concerns all who are in the business. Some fruit 

 growers think they are in the peach business, but really they are in the 

 seed business. They grow far too large a proportion of seeds and far too 

 little of the valuable pail— the flesh. 



Which is considered better for peaches, old, worn soil which has been 

 brought to liigh state of fertility, or new soil? 



Some claim that old fields are infested with crown gall. 



There are good peach soils that will not produce big peaches, although 

 there may be but few on the trees. 



I have several cases in mind that have come under my observation, 

 that rich virgin soil does not often bring as good peaches as that which 

 is rather poor. 



It should be well understood that the elements of fertility that do the 

 most good to any fruit crop, and the peach is no exception, are those that 

 do not stimulate a rank growth of wood and foliage. Too much nitrogen 

 will have this effect, but there is no danger from potash and phosphoric 

 acid. 



Selection of Stock for Planting. 



The selection of stock for planting is one of the most important items 

 which tends to make a success in horticulture. The trees, should be 

 young, healthy and vigorous, and especially adapted to the locality in 

 which they ai-e to be planted. Utmost care should be used in the selec- 

 tion of stock free from disease, avoiding nurseries which are located in 

 sections infested by any disease, such as San Jose sc^le. 



