246 



The analyses 1 to 14 were made by myself, and in each case parallels 

 were carried through. The samples for the complete analyses were nearly 

 all taken at the same time, and therefore no variation need be allowed in 

 the different analyses for a change in the per cent, of ash or ash constit- 

 uents due to its variation at different seasons of the year. The samples 

 being all young and thrifty twigs of one year's growth, the per cent, of 

 ash is consequently low. The analyses 8 and 9 were made from young trees 

 growing a few rods apart ; but one sample was taken three months later 

 than the other. The sample for analysis Xo. 10 was taken from the roots of 

 sample 9. The tree being only three or four years old the whole top was 

 incinerated. The high per cent, of silica (SiO^) in No. 8 is probably due 

 to the fact that the sample was not thoroughly cleaned, the roots 

 being quite knotty. 



In the peach the per cent, of lime (CaO) is higher than for any other 

 tree, but the potash is correspondingly lower. 



The variation in the per cent, of mineral constituents in the ash of the 

 two plum tree-s is quite marked, but this is not strange when we consider 

 the effect of the difference in soil and of difference due to the variation in 

 the time of collecting the samples. 



It is quite noticeable that the per cent, of potash (KoO) in the top and 

 roots of the plum (samples 6 and 8) is nearly the same, while the per 

 cent, of lime (CaO), though varying much, is yet quite low for both root 

 and top. In all of the samples chlorine was found, but not in weighable 

 quantities. 



Although at first the variation in the per cent, of ash constituents in the 

 different pears seems strange, it is nevertheless found to be true to exper- 

 ience, for it is well known that land on which some varieties can be grown 

 would not answer for other varieties of the fruit. 



It will be seen by the tables that a tree without fruit is not very ex- 

 haustive to the land. 



The method of analysis was in the main that found in Prof. G. C. Cald- 

 well's Agricultural Chemistry, but some modifications of it were deemed 

 necessary for practical working. The value of these results will be shown 

 by a little explanation. 



Subsequent calculations are based on figures given by a prominent fruit 

 grower, modified by experiment and approved by several horticulturists. 

 It is estimated that pear trees such as those from which the samples were 

 taken (six inches in diameter) will add to their growth in a year 10 pounds 



