54 THE FRUIT GROWERS GUIDE. 



the rod (30| square yards) is a proper quantity to use, preferably in February or 

 March, and being durable, need only be applied every second or third year, stable or 

 farm-yard manure being used as surface dressings. Where bone meal, which is slow but 

 sure in action, is not supplemented by surface dressings of manure or stimulating liquid, 

 recourse must be had to manures that act directly or soon after their application. 

 Superphosphate of lime, 3 J pounds, and muriate of potash, 1^ pound, mixed, per rod, form 

 a suitable manure for the apricot. If the tree to which the manure is to be given 

 produces small leaves and weak wood, add 1 pound of nitrate of soda. This, however, 

 will only be necessary in the case of silicious soils deficient in humus. A first dressing 

 of the manure should be given early in March, and the second early in May. Half 

 quantity only should be applied each time, distributing the mixture evenly on the surface 

 as far as the roots extend, in no case digging it in. Trees that grow with sufficient 

 freedom may have an increased quantity of superphosphate, omitting the potash, 

 especially where they are disposed to make much wood. Four ounces is a suitable 

 quantity of superphosphate to apply to a square yard. 



The borders in which apricot trees are planted should have the surface neatly 

 forked over in autumn, not going so deep as to injure the roots, or even to disturb 

 them, and the whole border covered with short stable or farmyard manure an inch or 

 two thick. In March the top dressing may be neatly pointed in, merely mixing it 

 with the surface soil. This will allow air and rain to enter freely, also the sun's 

 warmth. 



Feeding. In addition to the top dressings, two or three heavy waterings, supplied 

 during dry periods in May, June, July, or the early part of August, will contribute to 

 the health of the trees and the size of the fruit. The drainings of stables and cow-byres, 

 also house sewage, properly diluted with water, are excellent aids in the production of 

 apricots ; and in the case of trees against cottages and farm buildings, house slops mixed 

 with soapsuds, given after rain or when the soil is moist, are of great benefit. These 

 give off no offensive smell, or need not if a little dry soil is sprinkled on the surface 

 after the liquid has soaked in. To assist the application in hard ground, or even walks 

 or pavements, holes may be made with a crowbar, not going so near the stem as to 

 injure the main roots, repeatedly filling these with the liquid until the soil is thoroughly 

 moistened, then pressing in rich soil firmly. This will not only do immediate good, 

 but aid the passage of subsequent applications. These supplies may be continued till 

 the fruit gives indications of ripening, after which clean water only should be used, 



