CULTURAL METHODS L\ ORCHARDS 



175 



supplied with moisture, which factors favor the mulch sys- 

 tem of orcharding. At the end of the period, the four vari- 

 eties (Alexander, Fameuse, Northern Spy, and Wealthy) 

 averaged 3.18 bushels of apples to the tree on the tillage 

 block and 3.95 bushels on the sod mulch plot. 



The Pemisylvania experiments show the same general 

 results in yield as in growth. The statement of Stewart is 

 that "In general the mulch treatment, reinforced by out- 

 side materials, has been most efficient in improving the 

 yield, growth, and average size of fruit in orchards up to 

 about 20 years of age. In older orchards, it has been sur- 

 passed slightly by tillage and cover-crops, unless accom- 

 jianied by adequate fertilization. It has also been most 

 efficient in conserving moisture, in all cases that have been 

 determined." 



Table LI 



INFLUENCE OF CULTURAL TREATMENTS ON THE YIELD OF TREES 

 AVERAGE ANNUAL YIELD TO THE ACRE (aFTER STEWART) 



The New Hampshire experiments show again the value 

 of tillage over sod culture of the trees. The conclusions 



