or phosphoric acid. Nitrogen has a marked effect upon the 

 vegetative growth, which is one of the determining factors in 

 size, color and quahty of fruit. We must have a certain amount 

 of growth and vigor to secure crops. 



Peach trees can be overfertilized with nitrogen, however, as 

 the summer of 1919 emphatically demonstrated. When it rains 

 frequently during the summer, trees make a much more rapid 

 growth than under normal conditions, even when the fertility 

 of the soil is the same. Fruit upon rapidly growing trees with 

 vigorous foliage is more susceptible to attack from brown rot 

 than fruit upon slow or moderately growing trees. Fruit heav- 

 ily shaded by foliage does not develop as firm a texture and 

 the skin lacks the protective qualities of that on fruit which 

 develops in sunlight. 



By employing a quickly available source of nitrogen, such as 

 nitrate of soda, one may control the growth of his trees some- 

 what according to the character of the season. A smaller 

 amount than is believed necessary should be applied just as 

 growth begins in early spring to make sure the trees have vigor 

 enough to set the crop. If a wet season follows, no additional 

 nitrogen may be necessary. If, on the other hand, the trees 

 ,show a need for the nitrogen, an additional application can be 

 made. The effects of an application of nitrate of soda will 

 often be seen within ten days, or, at most, two weeks' time, 

 unless the weather is very dry. I am unable to say just how- 

 late it would be safe to make a second application in New 

 England if the trees needed it, but probably June 15 to 20 is 

 within bounds. 



Pruning. 



Pruning is a topic for discussion in itself and I shall only 

 mention one fact which may be a bit less well known than some 

 others. It is generally understood that dormant pruning in- 

 vigorates a tree, and this, in general, is true. The character 

 of the pruning, however, largely determines whether any result- 

 ant effect will be noted. A light thinning out of the branches, 

 especially near the base of the tree, may result in but little or 

 no increase in annual twig development, while the same amount 

 of wood removed in a cutting back of the tips of branches will 

 do so. 



