EXPERIMENT STATION REPORTS. 



181 



From the above measurements, it can be readily seen that the trees 

 in the cultivated plots have grown the best. The rather mixed results 

 in the case of the European plums is due to the fact that the culti- 

 vated plot was affected by a row of shade trees and a hedge which 

 drew the plant food and moisture from some of the fruit trees. Had 

 it not been for this, it is certain that the trees in the cultivated plot 

 would have made a much better showing. 



The difference between the cultivated and sod mulch plots was not 

 very noticeable until two years ago. In fact, Japanese plums, in the 

 sod mulch plot seemed to be doing the best. Now, the difference in favor 

 of the cultivated trees is growing greater every je<\r. 



The general care of the cultivation and sod mulch plots has been 

 according to the accepted methods of each kind of culture. In the sod 

 mulch plot, the grass was cut twice a year and enough mulching put 

 around the trees, as far out as the drip of the leaves, to kill out all 

 growth of grass and weeds. Extra, mulching material was brought into 

 the orchard if necessary. 



In the cultivated plots, the ground was ])lowed early in the spring 

 and kept cultivated until about the first of August. It was then sown 

 to a cover crop of common red clover, except the last two seasons, when 

 oats were used instead of the clover as it was found that the continual 

 use of clover was too stimulating to the growth of the trees. 



Maij Frost.— The frost of INfay 9th did considerable damage to the 

 present season's fruit crop. At that time, the thermometer registered 

 27 degrees. Along the lake shore, the api>lcs were not materially in- 

 jured although some growers have reported damage to those varieties 

 which were just through blossoming while those which were in full 

 bloom are bearing good crops. The difference, if any, in tlie effect of 

 the frost on varieties, was very slight. It was apparently more a mat- 

 ter of location and condition of blossoming. 



The Bartlett pears, however, were more susceptible to frost injury 

 than other varieties of that fruit. Of the peaches. Smock. Salway and 

 Kalamazoo were apparently the most affected. Elbertas and Gold 



