POSSIBILITIES OF WORN-OUT FARMS. 45 



of from one to two tons per acre will accomplish wonders. The 

 application of wood ashes, which contain 30 to 40 per cent of 

 lime, with varying amounts of potash and phosphoric acid, are 

 also frequently used with remarkable results. 



(The speaker here quoted numerous figures from the crop reports 

 of the U. S, Department of Agriculture showing that in almost 

 every instance where New England soils are devoted to crops 

 requiring cultivation, the results compare very favorably with 

 those of western regions.) 



The Possibilities of Fruit Growixg. 



The younger generation can scarcely realize that fruit growing 

 is still in its infancy in New England, and that in this direction is 

 the most hopeful outlook for the future of New England agricul- 

 ture. From the earliest settlements on the Massachusetts coast till 

 the present day, fruit has been grown in New England. Peaches, 

 plums, pears, and apples galore have been introduced from England 

 France, and Belgium. Until about fifty years ago, however, there 

 was very little of the fruit we know today; and that little was 

 produced, largely, in the gardens of a few enthusiastic lovers of 

 fruit. Apples were then produced from natural seedlings, growing 

 without care or attention, and were of more importance for cider 

 than for any other purpose. Pears of delicious quality were grown, 

 but mostly on a small scale for home use or home markets. 



But now all this is changed. We are beginning to recognize 

 the fact that a large part of New England, rough though it be, and 

 difficult of manipulation for the ordinary farm operations, is well 

 adapted to the production of fruits of the highest color and finest 

 quality. We are beginning to realize that with a moderate annual 

 expenditure for labor and plant food, we may reap a rich and sure 

 return; and that right at our doors are the best markets in the 

 world for a commodity which we can produce as readily as we can 

 make shoes or cotton cloth. 



Over much of the area of New England, apple trees grow almost 

 spontaneously; and wherever, in the past, seeds may have been 

 scattered, we may find trees growing. These old trees, though 



