3^0 .The Canadian HoRXiCULTURisi. 



MANURE FOR PEACH TREES. 



HE peach tree grows so easily and so luxuriantly, and over such a 

 vast extent of country, that few think of supplying it with other 

 nutriment than is found naturally in the soil. Without doubt this 

 is sufficient in many cases, particularly in the newer portions of the 

 country. But every year of cropping in the usual way lessens the 

 fertilizing ingredients laid away in the earth in bygone centuries, 

 and fruit trees, as well as corn, wheat, etc., suffer by its diminution. 

 Indeed, fruit-bearing, particularly bearing heavy crops of large fine fruit, makes 

 one of the heaviest drafts, if not the heaviest of all, on the land. 



Among fertilizers, one of the most -important for most crops — and particu- 

 larly for fruit trees — is potash in some form. This is easily applied in wood 

 ashes, none of which, even if leached for soap-making, should ever be wasted. 

 It is very trying to see ashes emptied out in the road or by the side of a run, as 

 has been observed more than once. The ashes may be applied whenever con- 

 venient ; not around the trunk where they can do little good, but scattered over 

 the entire surface as wide as the branches extend. Anyone who has tried this 

 must have noticed the fine growth of the trees and the thrifty dark green of the 

 leaves afterwards. 



It is not probable that ashes will cure the yellows now becoming so com- 

 mon in some sections, though at one time there was considerable hope in this 

 direction. But prevention is better than cure; and there is good reason to 

 believe that a peach tree kept in vigorous health will be able to resist the yel- 

 lows ; just as perfect health in the human system prevents, or throws off, many 

 forms of disease. Barnyard manure is also a good fertilizer for peach trees, as 

 well as for most other things dependent on the soil. But it should be remem- 

 bered that ashes, or anything containing potash, must not be applied at the 

 same time with barnyard manure ; for the ammonia, one of the best elements in 

 the latter, would be liberated by the potash and lost. Six months at least should 

 intervene between the application of these two valuable fertilizers, — the best 

 probably, of all fertilizing materials, considering everything. — National Stockman. 



NUMBER ONE. 



" I tell you," said Robbie, eating his peach. 



And giving his sister none, 

 " I believe in the good old saying that each 



Should look out for Number One." 



" Why, yes," answered Katie, wise little elf, 



" But the counting should be begun 

 With the other one instead of yourself. 



And he should be Number One." 



— Charles R. Talbot, in Faith and Works. 



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