192 MANURES FOR FRUIT TREES 



and they n,ot only increase the yield, but enhance 

 the quality of the fruit. 



Nitrogenous manures are also requisite for back- 

 ward trees as they help in the growth of the tree, 

 while phosphates and potash are essential for 

 forward trees as they develop the bloom, the sugar 

 in the fruit, and the ripening of the wood. 

 Manuring, then, is one of the first principles of 

 horticulture, and it foUows that the special require- 

 ments of the tree or plant must have the first 

 consideration; and if we supply, by outside 

 means, properly constituted manures containing 

 all the necessary plant-foods, then the soil may 

 be looked upon as the vehicle through which the 

 plants can absorb their nourishment, and so far 

 as the soil is concerned, regard should be had to 

 its physical characteristics, its texture and power 

 of retaining moisture. Of course, the tree will 

 obtain some nourishment from the soil in which 

 it is grown, but the fact remains that, given proper 

 manures, the soil itself may be quite inert as 

 regards the supply of nutriment. Manures — 

 proper manures — are essential for the growth of 

 foliage, wood, flowers, and fruit. 



The industry of the French peasant and his 

 superiority in fruit culture is proverbial. He is 



