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An abundance of nitrogen is indicated by rank growth and 
dark green foliage, and by size and coarseness of fruit. Con- 
versely, stunted growth and pale leaves often show lack of nitro- 
gen; fewer fruits are formed; these are of smaller size and colour 
early, On oranges, excessive organic nitrogen results in thick 
rind, abundant rag, and sometimes in causing defoliation, die-back, 
and gumming diseases. 
Lime and potash correct the effect of heavy doses of organic 
nitrogen. 
Mineral nitrogen stimulates the production of fruit more than 
excessive applications of organie nitrogen. In oranges, thinner 
skin and little rag or fruit pith is produced; sulphate of ammonia, 
when there is a slight deficiency of potash, tends to sweeten the 
fruit. 
Phosphoric acid starvation is at times manifested by the 
appearance of the voung and tender leaves, known as ‘‘frenching’’ 
or variegations of the foliage. Phosphorus throws the tree into 
fruit quicker and has a most beneficial influence on the growth 
of the plant. 
Potash fertilisers are not sufficiently used by fruit-growers, 
considering what an amount of this element is found in the ashes 
of fruit. 
Heavy doses of potash, unless correspondingly accompanied 
by other fertilisers, produce sour fruit. Lack of potash is shown 
by spindly growth of wood, which summers badly and is easily 
injured by frost. On account of its hygroscopic property, good 
results have been obtained in applying it in early spring to aid 
the plant in withstanding the spring drought, which often eauses 
a great quantity of fruit to drop off. A yellowish, unhealthy eon- 
dition of a tree is often caused by the application of a potash 
fertiliser. 
Lime is notable in its effect on table grapes. It also tends 
to hasten the ripening and perfect the colouring of ovanges. 
Deficiency of lme is often accompanied by thick skin and poor 
aroma. 
Wien ann How ro Manxurs. 
The question is often asked: When is it best to apply 
fertilisers 7 Phosphates may be applied at any time from the 
beginning of the autumn up till the end of the winter. Potash is 
better applied early in heavy soils, which it has a tendeney to 
clog, so as to give the winter rains and the frost time to counter- 
act. that particularity. The application of lime with it will also 
correct this tendency. On light dry sandy loam it is advisable to 
apply potash fairly late, so as to utilise this hygroscopic feature 
towards storing up moisture in the vicinity of the roots of the 
plant. Nitrogenous chemical fertilisers it is better to apply in the 
