100 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



On old ground an application of ashes will be found beneficial, 

 especially to young trees, and it is believed that it has a marked in- 

 fluence in perfecting the fruit. On new land the element of potash is 

 generally abundant, as the vegetation has been annually burned for 

 many years. 



In discussing the treatment of the soil for successful plum or- 

 charding, no iron clad rule can be laid down, but we know alluvial 

 soil to be adapted to their natural growth, indicating a rich soil, not 

 only in its chemical composition but in its surface covered with leaf 

 mold or other decayed vegetation. If the orchard must be placed on 

 poor or worn out soil, the land should be enriched, and if 



Residence of Martin Penning, Sleepy Eye, Minn. 



upon a heavy clay soil should be deeply plowed and brought into fine 

 tilth by thorough working. In short, any system may be followed 

 necessary to produce a good crop of grain or roots. 



When the trees have reached maturity, if a good root system has 

 become established, the orchard may be seeded to clover with no 

 detriment to its fruiting. For the small orchard for farm use. when 

 first set with trees the ground may be planted with potatoes or 

 squash, which will shade the ground to advantage, but on no account 

 will it be found profitable to sow grain. 



On a sandy or light soil fall plowing is not desirable, but a 

 heavy clay will be benefited if plowing is done in the fall. If sum- 

 mer cultivation is not practicable, a heavy mulching with manure or 

 coarse litter, put on from the first to the middle of June, will in a 

 measure assist the trees to maintain their vigor in season of drought. 



