76 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



elements, and that of the soil to ascertain whether it contains 

 them; and if it does not, what fertilizers must be applied to 

 supply them. By an analysis of the ash of the pear, the grape, 

 and the strawberry, we learn ihat about 20 per cent, of their 

 constituents consists of potash. This abounds in new soils, and 

 peculiarly adapts them to the production of these fruits, but 

 having been extracted from soils long under cultivation, it is 

 supplied by wood ashes or potash, the value of which has of late 

 greatly increased in the estimation of cultivators. 



Among the arts of fertilization, universal experience attests 

 to the great advantage of middling- around fruit trees, as a 

 means of fertilization and of preservation from drought in heat 

 so common with us in midsummer. In illustration of this, 

 experiment has proved that on dry soils, where the earth has 

 been strewn with straw only, the crops have been as large with- 

 out manure as with it, where evaporation has disengaged the 

 fertilizing elements of the soil. One of the best cultivators 

 within our knowledge mulches his orchard with manure, cover- 

 ing the whole surface to the depth of two or three inches. 



Mulching, as I have already said, is a great preventive 

 from sudden changes of temperature, rendering the earth 

 warmer and more agreeable in winter, and more cool and 

 moist in summer. 



A difference of opinion exists in regard to the question 

 whether manures should be applied upon the surface, or at 

 what depth beneath it. We hoped that the answers to the 

 inquiries in the circular sent out by this Board, would help to 

 settle this question, but from the small number of returns we 

 fear that no satisfactory opinion can be formed. 



The gardener of Louis XIV., in his admirable treatise on fruit 

 culture, translated by Evelyn in 1080, says manures should be 

 applied to trees in the autumn upon the surface, that the rains, 

 snow and frost may convey the elements of fertility to the 

 roots. He adds, " we are certain that by this method one load 

 will do more good than two used in the common way of 

 trenching in to the depth of one foot." 



The theory of surface manuring has lately received attention 

 and favor, both in this country, and in Europe. Mr. Charles 

 B. Calvert, President of the Maryland Agricultural College, 

 has for many years applied his manures on the surface alter 



