lo Aug., 191--] Unprofitable Orchards. 509. 



extreme care must be taken not to ha\e any unevenness between successive 

 pipes to allow dt the collection of sediment in the interior of the pipe drain. 



Manuring. 



It is too commonly believed tliat fruit trees tliri\e well in tlie poorest of 

 soil. This idea is not correct, for when the trees are called upon to bear 

 heavy crops, they require a liberal supply of the necessary plant-food con- 

 stituents. Soil of poor (]ualitv may certainly be beneficial in bringing trees, 

 into bearing quickly or in checking the over-vigorous growth of some 

 varieties ; but continued cropping will surely soon exhaust the required 

 elements of plant-focwl in such soil, so that the trees will soon become incap- 

 able of producing a profitable crop of fruit. The evils of soil -exhaustion 

 may be seen in many orchards, as evidenced by the stunted growth of trees,' 

 depleted buds, and fruit of very inferior quality. In fact, it may be said 

 that tlie profits of the majority of orchards are considerably lessened by 

 the lack of systematic manuring. The appearance of trees is the best guide 

 to their manure requirements. Young trees should make regular and thrifty 

 growth. Any defect in this respect should, be remedied by the application 

 of manure rich in nitrogen. Nitrogenous manures are very effective in pro- 

 ducing growth, either in young trees or in old and stunted ones. No better 

 manure can be used for general purposes than farm-yard manure, which, 

 when properly prepared, is rich in all the essential elements of plant-food 

 — nitrogen, potash, and phosphoric acid. In addition, the organic part 

 of it has a. very beneficial physical effect upon soil. It is, therefore, 

 known as a general manure in contrast to special manures which contain 

 one, two, or more constituents of plant nutriment, but which are not capable 

 of maintaining the general fertility of the soil. The chief value, however, 

 of special manures is to supply the soil with some plant food which it lacks. 

 In order, then, to apply such manure profitably, the soil deficiency should 

 be first ascertained, otherwise it may do no good. Sometimes a soil mav 

 fail through the absence of one or more of the essential elements. The 

 reason of failure in such a case is because the minimum governs the whole 

 in the same way as the strength of a chain is governed bv its weakest link. 



The mechanical effect of farm-yard manure upon soil texture is very 

 marked, making it either more open or compact, as the case may be. Soil 

 of hea\y texture is opened up by the decomposition of the straw, which 

 forms channels, and through them moisture, air, and the roots of trees 

 penetrate. 



As there is generally a difficulty in obtaining sufficient quantities of 

 farm-yard manure, a system of green manuring is stronglv recommended 

 for soils deficient in humus. Such soils are light-coloured, dry, and harsh 

 to the touch. Those containing it in proper proportions are dark-coloured, 

 moist, and mellow. The properties of humus are that it renders heavv soils 

 lighter, more open, and porous, while, on the other hand, soils of a loose 

 sandy character are made denser and better enabled to absorb and retain 

 moisture. Hill orchard land generallv requires a liberal application of 

 manure to firing about ideal humus r mditions. 



In addition to the production of humus, green manure of leguminous 

 crops is rich in nitrogen. This is produced by the action of bacteria working 

 in the root nodules of legumes, such as beans, peas, lucerne, &c. It will 

 thus be seen that bv the use of green manure, not only is the soil benefited 

 physically, but also one of the most expensive manures — nitrogen — is added 

 to the soil. 



