Appendix. 247 



In order to secure the best results, the vetches should be ploughed 

 under as early in the spring as possible. The vines will then rot rapidly 

 and the soil will retain its moisture. 



It has been said, "The cheapest manure a farmer can use is clover 

 seed." And we may say the cheapest manure a fruitgrower can use is 

 vetch seed. For while the vetch is storing up nitrogen for the use of our 

 fruit trees, it is also gathering phosphoric acid and potash from the soil 

 and rendering them more available for the use of the roots of the trees. 



As the luxuriant growth renders it somewhat difficult to plow in, we 

 have found it convenient to sow the seed only one way between the trees, 

 leaving about three feet in the tree row unsown. This plan makes it pos- 

 sible to use a one-horse plow without difficulty. Sown in this way, fifty 

 pounds of vetch seed is sufficient for an acre. 



As is well known, the Petite or French prunes have been very small 

 for several seasons. We believe there would be less complaint in this 

 regard, were leguminous plants more frequently grown in the orchards as 

 cover crops, and the trees further assisted by liberal applications of potash. 



Prof. Bailey, in his ".Principles of Fruitgrowing," gives the following 

 ways in which the cover crop may improve the soil: 



"It directly improves the physical condition of the land. Prevents soils 

 from cementing or puddling. Holds the rains and snows until they have 

 time to soak away into the land. Dries out the soil in spring, making 

 early tillage possible. Sometimes serves as a protection from frost. It 

 improves' the chemical condition of the soil. Catches and holds some of 

 the leaching nitrates. Adds humus. Renders plant foods available. 

 Appropriates nitrogen, if it is leguminous." 



POMOLOGY. 



PAPER" READ AT THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE STATE HORTI- 

 CULTURAL SOCIETY, PORTLAND, JANUARY 13, 1903. 



By E. L. Smith, President State Board of Horticulture. 



Horticulture has been styled "the perfection of agriculture," and may 

 it not also be said that pomology, which in its broader sense includes not 

 only the science but the practical operations of fruitgrowing, is the per- 

 fection of horticulture. 



The possibilities of pomology, through hybridizing and persistent plant- 

 selection, are practically unlimited, and the aesthetic taste finds few 

 things more beautiful, in the floral world, than the nature-painted petals 

 of the apple or the immaculate white of the cherry blossom. I pass by 

 the beautiful scarlet of the summer berries, the royal purple of the grape 

 and the glorious colorings of our autumn harvests that not only delight the 

 eye, but contribute to the comfort and health of the human race. 



