76* Bulletin No. 34. 



fifteen feet were comparatively dry, the lower extremities of the 

 roots were still surrounded by moist soil. 



The conditions above ground were very satisfactory. The 

 trees grew thriftily and maintained a vigorous appearance through- 

 out the season. The trees were well loaded with fruit, the peaches 

 and apricots being larger than the previous year, when the orch- 

 ard was irrigated frequently during the summer. The quality oi 

 the fruit was excellent. At the close of the season, though hav- 

 ing received but one irrigation since March, the trees were in 

 fine condition. 



The results of this experiment indicate the value of filling 

 the soil with water during the winter. At this time, irrigating 

 water is comparatively abundant, evaporation is slow, and the ir- 

 rigating water is supplemented by some rainfall; while during 

 late spring and early summer, when the trees are growing rapidly 

 and consequently need the most water, the conditions are quite 

 different. Most fruit growers consider it advisable in our climate 

 to irrigate at least once a month from March to September. The 

 above results demonstrate that in permeable soils much of this 

 summer irrigation may be dispensed with providing the orchard 

 be cultivated thoroughly. 



The special object of this bulletin, issued at this time, is to 

 impress upon orchardists the importance of beginning early and 

 irrigating thoroughly throughout the winter. Permanent fur- 

 rows ma}' be plowed, into which the water may be turned at any 

 time. If clover is to be grown in the orchard during the winter, 

 as suggested in Timely Hints No. 1, the seed should be sown 

 before the soil is furrowed for winter irrigation. 



A. J. McClatchie, 

 Department of Agriculture and Horticulture. 



THE CROWN GALL. 



No. 5, December i. 



The crown gall is a disease very injurious to deciduous fruit 

 trees, particularly so to the almond, apricot, peach, plum, and 

 nectarine. The same, or closely allied galls, have been found 

 upon the roots of the apple, pear, English walnut, grape, rasp- 



