EXTENSION DIVISION. 275 



important to tlie future fruit interests of Michigan in producing more 

 annual crops of larger and more uniform product. 



Up to the present time with two years' work to draw conclusions from, 

 nitrates in the form of either nitrate of soda or sulphate of ammonia 

 has shown far more profitable results than either acid phosphate or pot- 

 a;sh. The records show in some instances phosphate showing results when 

 combined with nitrates. The above statement applies to both fruits and 

 cover crops. 



For years in the past Michigan has been burdened with plantings of a 

 hundred varieties of apples, a large percentage of which are of little or no 

 value and it wias considered high time that a standard list be 'adopted 

 from which growers conld choose those adaptable to Michigan cli- 

 matic conditions; also that would be a foundation for standardization in 

 grading and packing wliich is necessary in any successful marketing 

 project. 



Through efforts of the Horticultural Department, the Executive Board 

 and Horticultural Committee of tlie Michigan State Horticultural So- 

 ciety the following list of varieties of apples were recommended as a stand- 

 ard list for Michigan, and as far as seemed practicable the varieties were 

 named ais to adaptability to different sections of the State: 



Duchess, (Wealthy, Mcintosh, Fameuse, Jonotihan, CTfrimes Oolden, 

 Wagener, Greening Rhode Island, Steele Red, Northern Spy, Hyslop 

 Crab. 



The above list was considered only for the large commercial sections 

 and not for local markets. 



Large numbers of meetings were asked for both lecture and field in 

 relation to pruning, spraying and fertilization, all of which could not be 

 cared for, although all the members of tie Horticultural Staff assisted 

 in the Extension service whenever possible. 



With the pruning work we have endeavored to head off over-pruning 

 on both old and young apple trees and suggest moderate pruning with 

 special reference to young trees until such time as we have defiuite 

 knowledge as to which system produces definite results. 



Intercropping of young orchards is recommended as an economic system 

 that will bring in some financial returns while the orchard is eomiug into 

 bearing. 



A conservative move is being fostered towards an alfalfa and apple 

 combination with apparent splendid possibilities along this line, 



Preliminai'y work has been started in a better cultural praictice and a 

 much more disease free uurseiy stock campaign which will take some 

 time to work out. This was recommended after a two day tour in Van 

 Buren and Berrien counties with Specialists from Washington, Horti- 

 cultural Department and Botanical Department with a few growers and 

 small fruit nurserjaneu. 



There were -102 farm visits; twenty-five meetings held at demonstra- 

 tions, with an attendance of 725 at such meetings. One hundred and nine 

 lecture meetings were held with an attendance of 12,310 at the lectures. 



