HORTICULTURE. 973 



the unfertilized. Gravenstein mulched and fertilized made slightly larger growth 

 than wheu cultivated and fertilized. 



The average yields have been slightly in favor of cultivation. This was particu- 

 larly striking in l!)o.">, when an average of 4 bu. per tree was obtained on the 

 cultivated area as compared with 2.8 bu. per tree where mulching was used. The 

 yield on the. portions fertilized with stable manure has been slightly heavier than 

 where commercial fertilizers have been applied. In experiments to determine the 

 specific effect of differenl potash Baits on the apple, no noticeable difference has yet 

 developed in the character of fruit or the behavior of trees as a resull of the form of 



potash Used. 



In idol', motives in a neglected orchard were set aside for the purpose of deter- 

 mining the besl methods of renovation. Pruning, cultivating, and fertilizing have 

 been practiced, and the results on all the plats are very satisfactory. The besl 

 results have been obtained where a complete fertilizer was used. On trees which 

 received an excess of nitrogen there was a noticeable lack of color in the fruit, and 

 in 1904 a considerable injury occurred to both fruit and trees as a result of either a 

 too free use of nitrogen or of the absence of potash. Both fruit and foliage dropped 

 and lunch of the fruit was cracked, while the remainder was as BOfl and mellow in 

 October as it should have been the following May. Good yields of fruit have been 

 obtained and the author believes that the experiment demonstrates that the off 

 year in the case of Baldwins is an unnecessary condition which ought not to exisl 

 in a well-managed orchard. 



A specific test is being made of the relative values of the Fisher fertilizer formula 

 for fruits and the station formula. The Fisher formula calls for a mixture of 350 lbs. 

 nitrate of soda, 120 lbs. sulphate of ammonia, 230 lbs. sulphate of potash. 200 lbs. 

 acid phosphate, and 50 lbs. kieserife. These are thoroughly mixed and sown on the 

 surface of the ground under the tree a little farther out than the limbs extend, at the 

 rate of 10 ll.s. to a medium sized tree, from May 1 to 10, or as soon as the blossom 

 buds begin to open. The station formula contains about 5 per cent less nitrogen, 2 

 per cent more phosphoric acid, and 4 per cent less potash and co>ts about $5 less per 

 ton. Good results have thus far been secured with both formulas but no conclusions 

 have been drawn as yet. 



In the top-working of orchards a specific test is being made of the relative value of 

 scions from bearing trees of known value, as compared with scions from nursery trees 

 or miscellaneous sources. This work has been underway two years. Some experi- 

 ments have also been made to determine the effects of cultivation on the keeping 

 quality of fruit as compared with sod-grown fruit. The results obtained thus far 

 are contradictory. 



In the cover-crop work ai the station, winter rye has proved most satisfactory on 

 strong land. Where the soil is in need of nitrogen winter vetch ( Rcia viUosa) or 

 spring vetch ( 1'. sativa), has proved most satisfactory. 



In order to emphasize the importance of rational orchard treatment in other sec- 

 tions of the State, some cooperative experiments have heeii planned with growers in 

 the vicinity ot New Gloucester. This work is briefly outlined. The bulletin con- 

 tains numerous diagrams showing the arrangement of the various experimental 

 orchards, and tallies giving in detail the data secured as to the annual growths of 

 trees on mulched and cultivated areas, and the yields obtained, etc. 



Suggestions upon the care of apple orchards, E. Walkeb (Arkansas */<i. />'»/. 

 !'i, />/>. l '41-210, figs. t8). — Suggestions based on the results of experimental work are 

 given for the care ami management of apple orchards, including pruning, spraying, 

 fertilizing, cultivation, cover crops, resetting gaps in old orchards, etc. 



In rejuvenating an orchard of 27 acres of old bearing trees, g 1 cultivation, prun- 

 ing, spraying, and the use ot both stable manure and commercial fertilizers was 

 given. The work was begun in 1904, and in L905 534 bids, of No. 1 apples were 



