288 State Horticultural Society. 



tested. It is claimed, again, that the potash-fed tree is more likely 

 to survive the severe cold of an unusual winter. In other words, 

 the potash-fed tree is able to hold its water. Since the injury done 

 by cold is entirely due to the loss of water, we may easily believe 

 this hypothesis. Again, it may be of assistance in carrying a tree 

 through a severe winter by virtue of the fact that a potash-fed 

 tree is surer to ripen up its wood. We are unfortunately not in 

 a position to present sufficient experimental evidence bearing upon 

 these matters, the importance of which cannot be over-estimated; 

 but I am glad to say that some experiments along some of these 

 lines of work are now being conducted by Mr. Chandler of the 

 Horticultural Department of your Agricultural Experiment Sta- 

 tion. 



It may be said, also, that a tree will grow and bear well where 

 the potash content of the soil is not as great as it should be, and 

 yet the fruit will fail to be of the first quality, owing to the lack 

 of color and inability to mellow up as it should. It is claimed, 

 therefore, that here, too, there is a special influence of the potash. 

 Certainly the richer potash soils of Missouri and Arkansas leave 

 little to be desired in the way of color in the apple. 



Nitrogen is an element which requires considerable attention 

 in its general relations. It must be present in such quantity that 

 there may be sufficient growth, yet one dares not increase the con- 

 tent in the soil considerably without the strictest caution, on ac- 

 count of the fact that, in conjunction with an abundance of the 

 other elements, there will result a so-called weedy growth of the 

 trees, which is, as you know, in no way conducive to the highest 

 fruit production. In the presence of an excess of nitrogen, even 

 if fruit should be produced, it will lack color and quality. 



The special value of lime is almost too well known to need 

 further reference. When in midsummer the leaves of a fruit tree 

 are deep green, firm and of heavy texture, it is an indication that 

 lime is unquestionably present in suflflcient quantity. Abundant 

 lime supply is then especially associated with maximum foliage 

 activity, and its absence or lack is felt very much, as in the case 

 of phosphoric acid. The special relation of lime to other sub- 

 stances in the soil will be referred to later. 



Magnesium is an element usually required in less quantity 

 than any of those just considered. It is frequently present in the 

 soil in sufficient quantity, and too often in excess in the soils with 

 which we are familiar; therefore, it should be properly discussed 

 under its relation to other nutrients. 



