Orchard Fruits and Berries 325 



vegetable matter because this humus-forming material 

 assists constantly by improving the physical character 

 of the soil and the stores of plant-food, besides lending 

 great aid in the conservation and better distribution of 

 water, the one factor more than any other which controls 

 size and quality of crop. 



Many orchardists use much larger amounts of fertilizer 

 than is here recommended, though if the suggestions con- 

 cerning the method of use are carried out, the quantities 

 named will be found sufficient to supply all the needs of 

 maximum crops. 



PLUMS, CHERRIES AND APRICOTS 



The fertilizing of these fruits, when grown on the differ- 

 ent classes of soils, need not differ materially from that 

 recommended for peaches under the same conditions, 

 though cherries, particularly, require in addition to the 

 essential constituents, nitrogen, phosphoric acid and pot- 

 ash, a relatively greater supply of lime, and this substance 

 should be applied in addition to the regular fertilization. 

 Care should also be exercised in the application of nitro- 

 gen, in order to prevent a too great development of leaf 

 and branch. Unless these trees show a decided need for 

 nitrogen, a medium application of the second basic formula 

 (p. 313) will furnish sufficient for their needs. 



CITROUS FRUITS 



These products the oranges, lemons and the like 

 belong to a distinct class of fruits, and the experience 

 already gained in their fertilization is such as to make 

 applicable the suggestions concerning peaches, plums and 

 apricots. On the lighter sandy soils of Florida, which are 



