I 



The Canadian Horticulturist. 8i 



Why, the farm was perhaps cropped for years before the orchard was 

 planted, and the fertility of the soil well-nigh exhausted ; trees have been draw- 

 ing on the soil for years, and now are blamed for unproductiveness. Is this 

 reasonable, I ask ? 



But, says one, " I cannot spare the manure from my other crops." Very 

 well ; you must put it where it will pay best, but I claim that place is the 

 orchard. 



I find that farmers generally in Canada quite under-estimate one of the 

 most valuable of orchard fertilizers, and either let it waste, or sell it for a mere 

 song. I refer to our wood ashes, which are so undervalued in Canada, that 

 Canada ashes have become an article of export, to enrich the fruit farms of our 

 Yankee neighbors, who purchase them by the car-load. 



The following is an advertisement clipped from an American paper : — 



" Canada hardwood unleached ashes, by rail, in car-load lots, furnished on 

 short notice. Ashes guaranteed to be of best quality, and are especially adapted 

 for all grass and fruits. Pamphlets and prices sent on application. M., J. & 

 S., Oswego, N.Y." 



This is only one of many. Such quantities have been imported from 

 Canada into the United States, that a special Bulletin has been published by 

 the Connecticut State Experiment Station, showing the analysis of the various 

 brands. The market value is 25 cents a bushel, although their real value is 

 much higher. 



The following table shows the value of wood ashes compared with stable 

 manure, and with a commercial fertilizer which we may call a complete manure : 



Comparative Value of Wood Ashes. 



In 1000 lbs. of wood ashes there are, say, — 



60 lbs. of potash, at 7 cts. per lb $4 20 



20 II phosphoric acid, at 5 cts. per lb i 00 



700 11 carbonate of lime. 



Amounting to $5 20 



About ^ ct. per lb. The remainder consists of magnesia, insoluble matter 

 and moisture. One bushel weighs about 60 lbs., and is therefore 

 worth about 30 cts. 



In 1000 lbs. of a complete fertilizer there are, — 



70 lbs. of nitrogen, at 20 cts. per lb $14 00 



30 II potash, at 7 cts. per lb 2 10 



60 II phosphoric acid, at 5 cts. per lb 3 00 



Amounting to $19 10 



Or nearly 2 cts. per lb. 



