cropped many } r ears, as in a fifteen or twenty 



old orchard, the potash question should be carefully 



investigated. 



GENERAL PRINCIPLES. 



In a general way, both phosphoric acid and 

 potash influence the quality and fineness of the fruit, 

 while nitrogen produces the vegetable tissue, such as 

 the skin and pulp of fruit, and leaves and bark of 

 trees. The juice and seed and smoothness and the 

 number of the fruits can be increased by phosphoric 

 acid and potash. The size and coarseness and large 

 growth and late maturity can be secured by the 

 extensive use of nitrogen. These effects are noticeable 

 only when there is an excess of one element and a 

 deficiency of the others. 



AVOIDING PURCHASES OF UNNECESSARY FERTILIZERS. 



Knowing the specific effect of the three essential 

 plant foods, as just stated, and by observing the con- 

 dition of an orchard, a grower may frequently avoid 

 the purchase of unnecessary plant food. 



Bottom lands are usually rich in nitrogen. Sandy 

 soils are apt to lack potash. Clay soils usually con- 

 tain much potash, etc. Coarse, thick-rind fruit, with 

 deep green color of leaves and a too vigorous 

 growth, may indicate that nitrogen could profitably 

 be omitted one season. An over abundance of 

 smooth fruit on yellow trees of slow growth may 

 indicate an excess of phosphoric acid tor the nitrogen 



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