WINTER MEETING AT CARTHAGE. J 05 



not be had, hence one of the conditions would be violated; but the field-pea 

 answers both conditions, as it affords both the chance for tillage and the chance 

 for turning under a large growth. By planting in May in drills, and by cultivat- 

 ing during June, the crop ripens by August, so that we get in that way both tillage 

 when needed and subsequent shade when needed. Also, the growth of the crop 

 having been completed before the dry, hot weather, the up-flow of water goes no 

 longer to the pea-plant, but is conserved to the use of the tree when usually most 

 needed. Visiting the experiment station at Kayetteville. Ark,, we find the horti- 

 cultural plats are treated in this way : 



The field-pea is a rapid grower, and if planted in drills, may be cultivated in 

 the early summer, thus affording the orchard all the necessary tillage; gets its 

 growth by August if planted early, thus affording shade to the ground and not 

 absorbing moisture during the dry. hot weather, adding essential plant food to the 

 soil in its maturity; and lastly, but not by any means leastly, on being turned 

 under, adds needed humus to the soil. One of the great values of humus is that 

 it aids materially in soils retaining water in suspension for the use of plants. 



G. W. Waters, 



DISCUSSION. 



Mr. Murray — I find we are losing a great deal by not preserving 

 the humus in our soil. It was thought that the tree received most of 

 its nourishment from the soil, but the foliage is giving the tree every 

 necessity of its existence. A fire that sweeps over our land removes 

 as much plant food as a crop. I have not much faith in tke restora- 

 tion of old orchards. I don't think upon the whole that it pays ; it is 

 too costly. It is much easier to plant a new orchard. Rely only partly 

 upon the old orchard till a new one can be grown to bearing age. I 

 think we should use means to preserve the foliage of our trees from 

 insects and fungi. It is through the leaves that the tree breathes and 

 lives. 



Prof. Waters — I claim that the method of clean cultivation is 

 faulty ; the method of cropping is also faulty ; therefore we must grow 

 something that will meet all the requirements, that will allow of con- 

 stant cultivation, will shade the soil in hot weather, and keep up the 

 humus in the soil. Humus is very valuable in its ability to hold water 

 in suspension ready for the trees — much better than land that is want- 

 ing in humus. 



I think the field-pea of the south will answer tbe purpose better 

 than any other plant. It is rich in nitrogen, and almost as valuable as 

 clover, if properly used. It should be sown in drills. If broad-casted, 

 it would not allow of the needed cultivation. It is also more readily 

 plowed under when planted in drills. Some of the advantages of this 

 method: The pea gets some of its nitrogen from the air, and adds it 

 to the soil. I claim, that with a good rotation the fertilitj- of the farm 

 may be increased from its own resources, if properly managed. The 



