-2- 



lOcated on soils of relatively low potash content. Perhaps this is due to 

 the fact that a tree sends its roots far and wide and to a considerable 

 depth. But unless the tree is ahle to obtain what water it needs throughout 

 the season,, minerals in the soil will not necessarily be the important limit- 

 ing factor. A fluctuating water supply is probably the cause of more failures 

 in tree behavior than are actual deficiencies of potash and phosphorus. 

 There rmist be an adequate v/ator supply if the tree is to take full advantage 

 of the various mineral elements. 



Does it pay to m\ilch? 



We think of New England as a good hay growing section. Soil and 

 rainfall are generally favorable for a growth of grass. And if grass is 

 beneficial in the orchard, it ought to be possible in many cases to provide 

 a liberal mulch at moderate expense. In a recent bulletin by Shaw and South- 

 wick of Mass. State College (3ul. #32S) we find some light on this interest- 

 ing problem. Klulching is found most advisable imder these conditions: 

 (l) where there is a convenient and cheap source of material, (2) on com- 

 paratively steep slopes, (3) on rough stony lojid, (U) on loose, gravelly 

 soils likely to suffer from lade of water in dry periods, (5) oh varieties 

 apt to drop heavily near harvest time, and (6) where root injury from cold 

 is severe. The possible objections to heavy mulching are cost, danger of 

 fire, and danger of injury from nice. According to this bulletin a layer 

 of hay or other vegetation over the soil keeps the soil a little cooler in 

 hot weather and warmer in cold weather, conserves soil moisture in dry 

 periods, and after the first two years furnishes soil nitrates. It also 

 prevents soil erosion and favors absorption of rainfall. 



Submerged ojid Yet Thirsty 



In an experiment performed not long ago in New York State, some young/ 

 apple trees growing in large coit ainors v/ere kept for some time with roots sub- 

 merged in water. Under these conditions one would naturally think that the 

 tree would obtain all the water it wanted, but in reality, the tops actually 

 showed symptoms of drought. Excess water and a consequent lack of air seemed 

 to interfere with root activity to such an extent tlaat little water was taken 

 in. This experiment illustrates how difficult it is to interpret plant be- 

 havior. We are so likely to draw wrong conclusions. These results help to 

 explain wliy trees growing on a wet soil sometimes sliow such drought symptoms 

 as an early drop of fruit. Submcri;ence of the roots during the dormant 

 season is apparently not as liarmful as when it occurs during the growing 

 season. 



Overpruned and Underfed 



Not long ago the writer visited cxn orchard in Western Massachusetts 

 and noted very wide differences in the behavior of the trees in two of the 

 blocJcs. The poorest block on the farm showed a constantly decreasing rate 

 of growth, very serious injury fron borers, and a decidedly unhealthy condi- 

 tion of the trees. Incidentally, these trees had been very drastically pruned 

 and the hay had been cut and removed for a number of years. An adjoining 

 block hxid been allowed to grow up to brush and had been almost completely 

 neglected. Strangely enough, this latter block looked much more promising 



