18 EXPERIMENT STATION. [Jan. 



breakage during last winter of one of the dikes, thus exposing 

 a portion of the plots used in fertilizer experiments throughout 

 the winter, while another portion of the plots was under water. 

 It is not best, therefore, to undertake a discussion of the results 

 in detail at this time. The following conclusions, however, 

 appear to be warranted : — 



1. The use of nitrate of soda greatly stimulates the growth 

 of vines, and on bogs where vine growth is naturally free, 

 this fertilizer should be used sparingly if at all. It has been 

 noted, however, that the size of the berries is considerably 

 increased wherever nitrate has been applied. 



2. The application of acid phosphate appears to favor early 

 maturity of the fruit, accompanied apparently by decrease in 

 size. It would be premature to assert that this fertilizer ele- 

 ment should not be used at all, but the indication is that the 

 quantity needed is relatively small. 



3. Among the fertilizer elements applied, the potash appears 

 to have exerted the most favorable influence on the yield of 

 fruit. Not only has it apparently increased the quantity, but 

 it seems highly favorable to the development of a bright color, 

 which gives the fruit an unusually attractive appearance. The 

 fruit on the plots to which muriate of potash and acid phos- 

 phate were applied was characterized by experts as exception- 

 ally solid and heavy, as well as of fine appearance. 



4. The application of lime appears to have been unfavorable 

 to fruitfulness. 



Substation for Orchard Experiments. 

 Plans have been laid for extensive orchard experiments which 

 will extend over a long period. A six-acre orchard of Baldwin 

 trees set six years ago has been leased for ten years. The 

 location is on the Bay Road in the southern part of the town 

 of Amherst, on the farm of Myron C. Graves. The soil con- 

 ditions throughout the entire tract appear to be exceptionally 

 even for a tract of such size in this State, and it is believed 

 the orchard affords very exceptional advantages for fertilizer, 

 cover-crop and cultural experiments, which are the principal 

 types of work in view. 



