1886.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 33. 83 



FRUITS AND GARDEIS' CEOPS. 



Most of the analyses of fruits published below were ob- 

 tained in connection with an investigation inaugurated in 

 1875 to inquire into the relation of the more prominent 

 mineral constituents of fruit-bearing plants, to the healthful 

 condition of the whole plants and the quality of their fruits, 

 for the purpose of demonstrating the necessity of a rational, 

 and thus efficient, system of fertilization on the garden and 

 orchard. 



A series of communications, of more or less general in- 

 terest, regarding grapes, peaches, currants, apples, etc., are 

 contained in previous publications of the Massachusetts Agri- 

 cultural College, the Report of the Secretary of State Board 

 of Agriculture, and of the Director of State Experiment Sta- 

 tion. 



The work is to be continued, with a fair prospect of im- 

 proved opportunities in consequence of more favorable finan- 

 cial condition of the Station. 



The material for the analyses of Concord grape, cherry 

 currants, white currants, blackberries, raspberries, and Lom- 

 bard plums, was obtained from one and the same plat of the 

 experimental field, in a moderately good state of cultivation, 

 and for several years without the application of any special 

 chemical manures. The blueberries were collected in the 

 vicinity of Amherst, from a soil largely of granitic origin. 

 The material for the examination of apples — juice and 

 pomace — came from outside sources, as specified in each case. 



Concord Grape. 



[From Experimental Plats on College Grounds.] 

 Relative Percentage of Essential Ash Constituents. 



99.998 



