332 Report of the Horticulturist op the 



where any difference was noticeable the treated trees had higher 

 colored fruit, with a riper appearance, more yellow color and a 

 tinge of red. With these exceptions, but little difference could 

 be seen in the treated and untreated sections in 1894 so far as 

 color of fruit is concerned. 



In 1895 the results were no more uniform than in the previous 

 year. Remembering that the even numbers represent treated sec- 

 tions, the rank as to color is shown in the following lists where 

 sections are arranged in order according to color of fruit, those 

 having the highest colored fruit being ranked first : 



R. I. Greening— Sections 1, 5, 2, 3, 8. 



Baldwin— Sections 8, 1, 3, 4, 2, 7. 



Roxbury Russet — Sections 2, 3, 7. 



Northern Spy — Sections 3, 5, G, 4, 7. 



The Tompkins King had much finer red color where the soil 

 was treated, and on treated soil Spitzenburgs were somewhat 

 superior in color to the same variety on untreated soil. 



In 1896 and 1897 there was no noticeable difference in the color 

 of fruit from treated and untreated sections. 



The results show that an abundant supply of readily available 

 potash in the soil influences the brilliancy of the color in the 

 fruit. On soil which is naturally well supplied with potash, as 

 this is, and in seasons which are very favorable to the perfect 

 development of foliage and fruit, as was the case in 1896, the 

 colors may develop as perfectly without the application of potash 

 to the soil as with it. In one portion of the original orchard, 

 which has been in sod for years without the application of either 

 stable manures or commercial fertilizers, Northern Spy fruit was 

 produced in 1896 whioh exceeded in brilliancy of color the North- 

 ern Spys which were grown in the cultivated sections where for 

 four years wood ashes had been applied to the soil in liberal 

 quantities. A careful study of the data which have been obtained 

 during the course of this investigation, and which are mostly set 

 forth on previous pages, leads to the conclusion that when the 

 fruit is ready to be gathered the degree of color which it has at- 



