ORCHARD NOTES. 

 W. M. Munson. 



THE STATION ORCHARDS. 



In reponse to oft repeated requests for information as Lu the 

 exact condition of the orchard at the Experiment Station, a 

 somewhat detailed statement is herewith given. In justice to 

 ourselves, however, it should be said that we are not ready to 

 draw conclusions, and this statement is but preparatory to a 

 fuller discussion in a future report. 



I. THE PLUM ORCHARD. 



The nucleus of the plum orchard was started in the spring of 

 1889, when several varieties were procured and set in nursery 

 rows. Several more were added in 1890. The effects of the 

 severe winter of 1890 and 1891 were detailed in the annual 

 report of the Experiment Station for 1891. 



In 1892 the trees were removed from nursery rows to their 

 present location and several others were added. Some of these 

 have done well; others, as was expected, have failed. 



The orchard is situated on heavy clay loam with stiff clay 

 subsoil. The surface drainage is good, but as the land has not 

 been tilled for some years, it was not in good condition for the 

 orchard. 



The following notes represent the condition of the orchard 

 at the close of the season in 1896. The numbers refer to the 

 Station records. 



American Eagle, 56 — Set in 1893. Moderately vigorous. 

 Wood not matured. Kills back somewhat every year. 



Arch Duke, 65 — Young tree set in 1895. Failed to start. 

 This place was originally occupied by Wild Goose. 



Bunker Hill, 29 and 30 — 29, moderately vigorous, upright. A 

 black knot found on the side of the tree. 30, vigorous, upright, 

 healthv. A srood tree. 



