No. 4.] FRUIT CULTURE. 245 



Difference in water, 6.25 per cent makes over 46 tons 

 per acre ; difference in nitrogen, .09 percent makes L-,350 

 pounds more per acre ; difference in phosphoric acid, .007 

 jjer cent makes 105 pounds more per acre. It would have 

 cost, to purchase 1,350 pounds of nitrogen, at 15 cents per 

 pound, $202.50 per acre, }^et the clover seed for three years 

 cost but $3 per acre. The seed was sown when the cultiva- 

 tion of the orchard ceased, about July 5 to 10, and was 

 lightly covered with a smoothing harrow. 



I think there is a limit to the extent to which it is wise 

 to use clover or peas as a cover crop, as too much nitrogen 

 will affect the keeping quality and the color of the fruit, 

 the effect being to prolong the maturity of the fruit, and 

 cause red apples to take on a lighter color. After a few 

 years of the use of these cover crops, rye can be substituted 

 in their place. 



I firmly believe that, by an intelligent use of these cover 

 crops, New England and all long-cultivated soil may not 

 only be economically restored and improved, but that 

 greater production can be obtained than ever in its history. 



The crimson clover makes a large growth of fibrous roots ; 

 these, together with considerable top plowed in, make a large 

 amount of humus, which is highly necessary to the moisture- 

 holding capacity of the soil. During the year this soil was 

 analyzed, the samples were taken during a very prolonged 

 drougth. A full crop of pears was carried through which 

 obtained no damage from dry weather. Three years of 

 added humus had been of great value in holding and giving 

 off gradually the water that had been absorbed during the 

 winter and spring months. 



It took three dollars' worth of seed for three years, and 

 yet, for that outlay, there was this gain in the amount of 

 nitrogen. Fruit growers and farmers, I believe it will not 

 long be necessary for you to stand indebted to a heavy bill 

 for nitrogen. Let me recommend you to take up this 

 system of culture, and if you find after a few years that 

 crimson clover does not thrive upon your New England 

 soil, take the Canada peas and you can get this benefit. 



A striking illustration of soil improvement may be taken 



