26 



MAIXE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATIOX. 



FERTILIZIXG. 



The profit in fruit growing lies in securing an extra large 

 amount of fruit of superior quality. This end can only be 

 attained by the addition of a supply of plant-food in excess of 

 that demanded for the growth of the trees. How much plant- 

 food should be added is simply a matter of business that must 

 be settled by each individual for his own farm. The actual 

 fertility of the soil depends upon the plant as well as upon the 

 amount and kind of plant-food in the soil; for only when the 

 plant is in a healthy, vigorous condition can the maximum 



amount of food be appropriated. In most cases, as much 

 depends upon the physical condition of the soil, as upon its 

 chemical constitution. 



In general, a liberal application of ground bone or phosphatic 

 rock and of hardwood ashes will be found the most satisfactory 

 fertilizing material for orchards. Stable manure may also be 

 used with good effect, on soils deficient in organic matter; 

 though for most orchards potash and phosphoric acid are 

 desired, rather than nitrogen. 



CULTLTRE. 



^lany good orchards are so located that cultivation is out of 

 the question. There is no doubt, however, that where possible. 



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