No. 4.] SOIL IN FRUIT CULTURE. 75 



obtaining a larger size in peaches, from 8 to 16 pounds of 

 nitrate of soda were applied to a tree, a few trees on the 

 end of each row being left as checks, to note the result. 

 Not the least effect could be observed from the application 

 of the nitrate of soda, through any growth of wood or any 

 increased size of fruit. Without doubt the clover had sup- 

 plied all of the nitrogen that the trees required. Five years 

 ago, on other trees where clover had not been previously 

 used, from 20 to 30 pounds of nitrate of soda were applied 

 to single trees, they in this instance being plums. The 

 effects have been marked. Not only have the trees made 

 very much larger growth, but the fruit each year since has 

 also been superior in size. 



After still further experience in the propagation of trees 

 through the selection of buds from trees of certain fixed 

 characteristics and quality, T am more strongly convinced 

 of the value of the principle. During the past year, while 

 there has been a generally light yield of apples in all sec- 

 tions of our countr}^ the quality of which has been much 

 below the best standard, we have been enabled to take fruit 

 not only of very large yield, but of the highest qualit}^ to be 

 desired, from trees that have been grown from this principle 

 of top- working through bud selection. There is, without 

 any question of doubt, as much value in selecting buds from 

 strong, typical trees from which to establish orchards, as 

 there is in laying the foundation of a superior herd, or in 

 building up any class of animals from carefully selected in- 

 dividuals. Not only have the trees thus propagated shown 

 vigor and vitality, but they have been able to resist the un- 

 favorable conditions which so often attend the period of 

 blooming. The apple crop generally over the country was 

 exceedingly promising in the spring. The set of blossoms 

 was unusually heavy, ])ut there came unfavorable weather 

 conditions during the period of bloom, with the result of a 

 very light set of fruit, with a consequent light yield at har- 

 vest time. 



We are still following the principle of top-working and 

 bud selection, and have stronger faith in its value in the 

 establishment of orchards. 



I will illustrate this method very briefly upon the chart. 



