10 May, 1919.] Orchard and (larden Notes. 317 



taken to plougli to the trees, so that a drainage furrow is left between 

 the rows. 



Manuring. 



It is just possible, where heavy crops have been carried, that a top 

 dressing of stable manure will be required to add humus to the soil. 

 The fertility of the soil must be maintained; and, although stable and 

 chemical manures as a general rule are of undoubted value as tree stimu- 

 lants, well-cultivated and thoroughly tilled land will always carry fair 

 crops with far less manure. Further, if the orchard land is _ well 

 drained, cultivated, and sub-soiled, any manures that are used will be 

 far more beneficial to the trees. The more suitable the conditions that 

 are given to the trees, the better they can appreciate and assimilate 

 their food. 



Perhaps the most useful and valuable of manures is stable manure. 

 It is of great use, not only as a manure and as an introducer of neces- 

 sary bacteria into the soil, but its value in adding humus to the soil is 

 incalculable. Organic matter, such as stable manure, introduced into 

 the soil quickly becomes humus; this greatly ameliorates and improves 

 soil conditions. It is impossible to say what quantity of stable manure 

 is necessary per acre; that can be determined only by circumstances. 

 Orchards in different climates and varying soils will require differing 

 quantities. A too liberal use of stable manure will be over-stimulating 

 in most cases, and at all times an excess beyond w^hat is necessary for 

 ■present use will only be waste, as humus is readily lost from the soil, 

 once it is in an available food form. 



It has been pointed out in these notes previously that an improved 

 physical condition is far more profitable to the fruit-grower than the 

 continued use of manures. A tree will be far more productive if it is 

 happy in its soil conditions; uncomfortable conditions will always result 

 in unprosperous trees. 



A dressing of lime, using about 4 or 5 cwt. per acre, is of great value 

 ip stiff or heavy orchard lands; and it may be given at this season. The 

 lime, which must be fresh, should be distributed in smallv heaps between 

 the trees, covered with a layer of soil, and allowed to remain for a few 

 days before ploughing or harrowing in. 



Pests. 



The advice given last month for spraying should be followed, particu- 

 larly where any oil emulsions or washes are to be used. 



Orchards will benefit if an attack is now made upon the Codlin moth. 

 All hiding places, nooks, and crannies, where the larvae have hidden, 

 should be thoroughly searched and cleaned out. The orchardist has far 

 more time now to do this work than he will have in the spring time. 



General Work. 



'Drainage systems should now be extended with as little loss of time 

 as possible. 



New planting areas should be prepared, and subsoiled or trenched 

 wherever possible. 



