organic matter. Plant food contained in leaves 

 and litter cannot* be used by the plant before 

 it is thoroughly decomposed. 



Lime. 



Lime is often used, not as a fertilizer, but 

 as a means to improve heavy soils and correct 

 the acidity in sour lands. 



Potash. 

 Potash is necessary for the perfect develop- 

 ment of the fruit bud, the filling out of the 

 fleshy portion of the fruit and the formation 

 of sugar and starch. All these give the fruit 

 its rich color and flavor. 



Phosphoric Acid. 

 Phosphoric acid enables the plant to assimi- 

 late or make use of the other ingredients in the 

 soil. It has to do with the formation of al- 

 bumen and hastens the maturity of the fruit. 

 Phosphoric acid is necessary for seed forma- 

 tion and fertility. 



Nitrogen. 

 Nitrogen promotes the growth of the leaf 

 and stalk, increasing the green to a darker 

 shade in the leaf and plant. Indication of ex- 

 cessive nitrogen sometimes means that potash 

 and phosphoric acid are not in sufficient supply 

 and is indicated by rank growth of top and 

 imperfect blossoms. 



[75] 



