of blossom, the early ripening of the orange can be 

 likewise effected. 



Phosphoric acid will not give its best effect unless 

 there is some nitrogen present. Plants well supplied 

 with phosphorous, vegetate faster and are earlier. 

 If an over abundance of nitrogen is making fruit 

 rough or "puffy," phosphoric acid will correct this. 

 Its tendency is to make thin-skinned, smooth fruit. 



EFFECT OF POTASH. 



Potash is necessary to the full development of 

 the wood of the tree. If potash is wanting, the wood 

 will not mature, and is subject to frost and disease ; 

 neither can immature wood carry much fruit. Potash 

 aids in the formation and transfer of starch, first to 

 the leaves and from thereto the flesh of the fruit, 

 which would be imperfect otherwise. The best 

 authorities agree that potash increases the sweetness 

 of fruits. 



Plants, undoubtedly, begin their growth in the 

 spring on the food that was stored in their tissues 

 the previous fall. Potash is largely the source of 

 this stored food, and is consequently necessary to 

 the full growth and health of the tree. 



It is generally admitted, however, that applica- 

 tions of potash are unnecessary in most California 

 soils. Many cases are reported in which heavy 

 applications of wood ashes gave no appreciable 

 results. If the land in question has been continuously 



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