The Practical Problem 141 



as yet undetermined. It should not be difficult to make 

 fertilizer tests, for the results on a few trees should soon 

 be apparent. In the case of peaches and berries, there is 

 evidence enough of the value of fertilizing, and the same 

 principles should apply to apples and pears, particularly 

 on the less responsive or less retentive lands. If the trees 

 are doing well and if the annual crops are also thrifty and 

 satisfactory, the plantation may need nothing more than 

 good care; but if the results are not satisfactory or if there 

 is indication of a let-down, the grower should be alert 

 for a remedy. 



Having studied the matter carefully in reliable writ- 

 ings, and having observed his plantation from day to day 

 and year to year, the grower should be able to discover 

 about the treatment needed. An orchard in sod and not 

 doing well should be plowed and tilled. One that 

 is tilled and is not doing well may be benefited by seeding 

 down, or it may not. If the growth is strong and rapid, 

 and the trees or vines seem to be going to wood at the 

 expense of fruit, then some check may be necessary. 

 This check may be given by seeding down for a time, 

 by giving somewhat less thorough or prolonged tillage, 

 or by the use of rather more mineral fertilizers and less 

 nitrogenous materials. In all cases in which the growth 

 is not sufficient and the leaves are yellow and drop early, 

 it is probable that either more nitrogen or more moisture 

 is needed, or both. As a general principle, it may be said 

 that nitrogen is to be had in sufficient quantity by thor- 

 ough and judicious tillage, by the use of leguminous cover- 

 crops, and by stable manures. In some cases, however, 

 quicker and cheaper results may be had by the direct 

 addition of nitrogenous materials, as nitrate of soda, 

 sulfate of ammonia, or some of the animal compounds. 



