8 Bush-Fruits 



signed to accomplish the same object, is more in use at 

 present, but apparently no more likely to prove generally 

 beneficial. 



FERTILIZERS 



Few definite results seem to be available showing what 

 fertilizers to use. In fact definite results with fertilizers 

 are not easily obtained anywhere, and when gotten may 

 be of very indefinite value under conditions differing from 

 those of the experiment. A knowledge and application 

 of the general principles of plant feeding are much more 

 valuable than any specific directions or rules. Stable- 

 manure is a safe material to use where available, unless it 

 be on moist fertile soil where there is a tendency to rank 

 and tender growth of canes. If supplemented with min- 

 eral elements, the results are likely to be better. Basic 

 slag is undoubtedly one of the best sources of phosphoric 

 acid. Wood-ashes form an ideal source of potash, but are 

 so seldom available that muriate of potash is much of tener 

 used, 100 pounds to the acre being sufficient. Stable- 

 manure is best applied in fall or winter, so that it may be- 

 come available for early spring growth and not foster a 

 late fall growth which may lead to winter-killing. 



Leguminous cover-crops, if used, may furnish all the 

 nitrogen needed under many conditions. If it becomes 

 necessary to supply this element in the form of chemicals^ 

 it can be obtained from nitrate of soda or dried blood. 

 One hundred pounds of the former or 125 pounds of the 

 latter, to the acre, will be ample under average conditions. 

 Voorhees * recommends a basic formula consisting of 150 

 1 "Fertilizers," Revised Ed., p. 313. 



