Nov., 1912.] ANNUAL REPORTS. 21 



spraying tests were firsl conducted and following these all the trees in the 



orchard were sprayed three times at intervals of about, two weeks, the first 

 time with commercial lime-sulphur, one part to 75 of water, and the second 



and third times with nicotine sulphate at the rate of 1 part to SOI). All three 

 of these sprayings proved efficient and by them the trees were kepi quite free 

 from lice. 



Immediately after the firsl harrowing, during each of the last two years, each 

 iree has been fertilized individually using from 1| pounds to the smallest tree 

 to 5| pounds for the largest of the following mixture: 



200 pounds nitrate of soda. 



400 pounds tankage. 



400 pounds basic slag. 



200 pounds sulphate of potash. 



The entire orchard w r as also lightly manured during the spring of 1912, this 

 with more particular reference to the intercrop of squashes and potatoes, but 

 the trees received considerable benefit therefrom. 



During the past year, 1912, all trees, in this orchard have been labeled, the 

 label giving row number, number of the tree in the row, and the name of the 

 variety. The name will greatly assist visitors, while the tree number will 

 facilitate the making of records. 



The orchard was clean cultivated in 1911, except for squashes between the 

 rows at the western end. In 1912 this same part is devoted to squashes, while 

 the balance is interplanted with potatoes, leaving about six feet on each side 

 of the tree rows free from crops. Each tree has received repeated individual 

 hoeings, so as to keep the land free from weeds and conserve the soil mulch. 



Individual detailed records for each tree, showing the character of the tree, 

 quality and quantity of fruit are being made, giving some valuable data to the 

 fruit growers of the state. 



Variety Test of Plums. 



• The season of 1912 is the fifth season of growth for the variety plum orchard. 

 This orchard now contains 201 trees, comprising 24 varieties, which represent 

 the four most important groups of plums. Each tree has now been labeled 

 with a wooden label attached to the tree, showing its individual orchard number 

 and the name of the variety. 



In 1911 clean culture throughout the season was given. The orchard was 

 manured lightly during the winter of 1911 to 1912. Following this it was cul- 

 tivated till midsummer and is now sown down to a fall cover crop of crimson 

 clover. 



A large number of records have been made relative to the growth, hardiness 

 and productiveness. A large number of illustrative photographs are also on 

 record. Beginning the season of 1912 the crop in quarts from each tree has 

 been recorded. 



The records so far show that the varieties Burbank, Red June, and Chabot 

 are the most satisfactory croppers among the Japanese plums. Lombard 

 among the European kinds has fruited well. 



