644 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



12.6 lbs. acid phosphate, 3.67 lbs. nitrate of soda, and 12.84 lbs. dried blood per 

 tree. The fertilizers were applied as soon as the ground could be tilled in the 

 spring, and thej- were only applied underneath the branches of the trees, so 

 that a tremendous excess of each has been used. The results, which are pre- 

 sented in tabular form and fully discussed, were gauged by the yield, size, color, 

 flavor, maturity, and Iceeping quality of the fruit; the diameter of the tree; the 

 amount, color, and weight of foliage ; and the length and weight, as well as the 

 annual growth of the branches. 



As compared with the checks the fertilizers had no sensible effects upon the 

 yield of fruit. Data secured in 1910 indicate that the size of the apples is pos- 

 sibly increased by the fertilizers, since the percentage of culls and seconds is 

 a trifle higher in the checli plats. The several current generalizations as to 

 the effects of fertilizers on apples were not verified in this experiment. No 

 change was noted in the color of the fruit, and all of the trees in the several 

 plats have borne crops very uniform in maturity. Iveeping quality, texture, and 

 flavor of apples. The diameter of the trees differed only within the range of 

 variation in the several plats. In the nitrogen plats the foliage during the 

 last season was greener than in other plats, and there was also a measurable 

 effect of the nitrogen in the weight of the leaves. There is slight evidence 

 that the trees on the nitrogen plats are making a greater annual growth of 

 branches. 



No detrimental influence attributed to the excessive amounts of fertilizers 

 used is indicated. 



An analysis of the soil made before the experiment was begun and here pre- 

 sented shows that at that time there was in the upper foot of soil enough nitrogen 

 per acre to last mature apple trees 183 years, phosphoric acid for 295 years, and 

 potash for 713 years. The conclusion is reached that tillage, cover crops, and 

 good care have made available from this well-nigh inexhaustible supply all the 

 plant food these trees needed. The author points out that whereas it may be 

 necessary to fertilize some apple orchards in New York, such cases will be 

 found on sandy and gravelly soils, on lands very subject to drought, on very 

 shallow soils, and on soils quite devoid of humus. It is believed, however, 

 that only a few of these soils will need a complete fertilizer. 



As to the practical outcome of the experiment, it is pointed out to the fruit 

 grower that his trees do not need fertilizers if they are vigorous and making a 

 fair amount of new wood. If the trees are not vigorous, drainage, tillage, and 

 the sanitary conditions should be looked to first and the fertilization afterwai'ds 

 if then found necessary. A plan is submitted for a fruit-grower's fertilizer 

 experiment. 



Does the apple orchard need fertilizers? F. H. Hall {Islew York State Sta. 

 Bui. 339, pojnilar ed., pp. 12). — A popular edition of the above. 



The packing of apples in boxes, C. S. Wilson {'Seio York Cornell Sta. Bui. 

 298, pp. 681-693, figs. 10). — The use of the box package, so generally employed 

 in packing and marketing western apples, is beginning in the East, and the aim 

 of the present bulletin is to give such information as will enable the eastern 

 growers to use the box pack more extensively. It discusses the box and box 

 material, lining, layer and wrapping paper, the packing table, the box press, 

 packing, and varieties suitable for packing in box or barrel. A plan and de- 

 tailed specifications are given for the use and construction of a box press. 



Utilization of the citrus fruits {Indian. Agr., 36 {1911), No. 7, pp. 204- 

 206). — In this article the general and fundamental principles underlying the 

 manufacture of oils and essences from citrus fruits in Italy and France are 

 given. 



