142 FOOD FOR PLANTS 



Dormant, the Pink Bud, the Petal Fall or Calyx, the 

 Cluster Spray when the apples are about the size of 

 hazel nuts, and the Mid-Summer Spray. In some 

 localities more are required. The Horticultural De- 

 partment of each State Agricultural College issues its 

 spray formulae and directions as to how many sprays 

 are required for its state. Every apple grower 

 should apply for these directions to his local Experi- 

 ment Station or Agricultural College. 



Benefits to Be Secured by the Use of Nitrate of 

 Soda on Apples. 



The use of Nitrate of Soda on young trees provides 

 them with strength to make rapid and healthy 

 growth. A well and consistently nourished tree 

 comes into bearing early in its life without impairing 

 the productiveness of the mature tree. A mature 

 orchard will give heavier yields, if it has made con- 

 sistent healthy growth each year since its planting. 



Old, neglected orchards are generally deficient in 

 their supply of nitrogen and over-supplied with car- 

 bohydrates. They can be restored and put upon a 

 paying basis through pruning, spraying, and the use 

 of Nitrate of Soda. 



Under such conditions Nitrate may be applied 

 heavily — up to 15 or 16 pounds per tree — until the 

 balance between the carbohydrates and the Nitrates 

 has been restored, which will be evidenced by their 

 restored fruitfulness. 



The questions of proper pruning, soil management 



