18 The Bulletin. 



ing of leaves and woody growth. j\lanj Kortli Carolina clays con- 

 tain considerable amounts of potash and this may not need to be 

 applied in large quantities. But much will depend upon the previous 

 treatment and preparation of the soil. The phosphoric acid content 

 of these same soils is usually low. A fertilizer analyzing 6 per cent 

 phosphoric acid, 4 per cent potash and 4 per cent nitrogen will be 

 found about right for most soils. The amounts which can be econom- 

 ically and profitably used will depend upon the character of the soil, 

 and its previous treatment. It is a good rule to use the fertilizer at 

 such times and in such quantities as the needs of the tree may indi- 

 cate. If the trees are growing rapidly, with weak, sappy gTOwth, the 

 indication is that they are receiving enough or too much nitrogen. If 

 on the other hand, they are not thrifty, making an unsatisfactory 

 growth, they would likely be benefited by more nitrogen. 



Cultivation. — From the time growth begins in spring until autumn, 

 the ground should be kept clean. Frequently shallow cultivations 

 should be given to preserve a dust blanket to prevent the loss of 

 moisture from the soil and to destroy weeds and gTass. Ever}- ten 

 days, or about that often, the ground should be gone over with the 

 cultivator. As soon as possible after each rain cultivation should be 

 .given to break up the crust which naturally forms after each rainfall. 

 This will preserve the soil moisture and go a long way in helping the 

 trees to make a satisfactory growth. 



Rotation. — The cultivation which must necessarily be given nur- 

 sery trees is very hard on the land. Its store of vegetable matter is 

 rapidly lost and the soil becomes hard and compact. Besides, the 

 trees are dug and the gTound is worked over in wet weather. This, 

 too, increases tlie evil, and a soil in very bad mechanical condition is 

 the result. In many cases a block of trees occupies the ground any- 

 where from three to five years. Then the trees themselves do not 

 take very much from the soil, but the treatment which the land 

 receives in cultivation and digging is anything but ideal. After one 

 block of trees is removed another may be set in the same ground. 

 Such cases are exceptions, however, and in general this should not be 

 done. It is better to put the land in other crops for some years and 

 allow it to recuperate. Notliing is better than to use it for the grow- 

 ing of cowpea hay, or leguminous crops of some kind, red clover, 

 crimson clover or hairy vetch. 



STOCKS^ METHODS AND GENERAL NOTES. 



Apple : Stocks. — Seedling apples. 



Methods. — Whip-grafting at the crown, and on piece 

 roots. 

 Shield-budding. 

 Cleft-gi'aft for top-working. 



