l8o THE NEW HORTICULTURE. 



enough to keep it short, and surface roots will not be broken 

 again. There are many isolated vines thus treated that are 

 bearing heavy annual crops with no spraying, while plowed 

 and cultivated vines rot every year. In fertilizing, beware of 

 cotton-seed meal or other manures rich in ammonia, as that 

 element is very apt to produce rot in the fruit. A good 

 annual dressing of some form of potash and phosphoric acid 

 will make vigorous vines and plenty of fruit. 



As to spraying, while some have not found any benefit 

 from it on fruit trees, there is no doubt that in most sections 

 of the country it is an absolute necessity for sound grapes, 

 and while it will not prevent blight on the pear, it does add 

 greatly to the appearance of the fruit. 



