1116 Fruit Growing in Northern Counties. [Mar., 



{e) Spraying with the concentrated solution of sulphate of ammonia 

 causes some of the corn to wither (about 5 per cent, in these 

 observations). Thistles also receive a severe check, their leaves 

 withering completely ; the} 7 recover in a few weeks, but not 

 sufficiently to mature before harvest. 



(6) "As a general rule the growth of corn crowfoot seedlings keeps pace 

 relatively with the corn ; in other words, when the season is an early one both 

 weed and crop are forward, while in a late season they are both late. The 

 best period for spraying may consequently be during the latter half of 

 March or the early half of April. The seedlings under these conditions will 

 be about 2 inches high with three or four leaves, thus exposing sufficient 

 surface to catch the spray " (Worcs.). 



(7) The Worcestershire report insists on the need for absolute cleanliness 

 of water and vessels used. There must be no risk of foreign matter blocking 

 the sprayer. The spray must be directed so as to hit the plants with force, 

 not merely allowed to drift on to them. 



* * * * * * 



POSSIBILITIES FOR FRUIT GROWING 

 IN THE NORTHERN COUNTIES. 



G. P. Berry, 

 Ministry of Agriculture. 



An indication of the districts in which fruit growing 

 might be successfully undertaken may be obtained 

 from the geological character of their soils. Starting 

 with the County of Cumberland there is in the 

 Penrith district a Eed Sandstone formation which is highly suit- 

 able for fruit growing. It is a soil of good substance and produces 

 high colour in small fruits and apples, and the valley of the 

 Eden on this formation presents many aspects which are most 

 suitable for fruit growing The Slate formations of the county 

 are not very suitable for apple growing, although- there are 

 favoured spots even on this formation. The Limestone formation 

 extending from Penrith across the county also presents possibili- 

 ties where the Millstone Grit crops up. On the coal measures 

 in the west of the county, fruit can also be successfully grown, 

 especially on the margins where the coal measure formations meet 

 the Limestone and Sandstone formations; here, as in some 

 southern counties, the blend furnishes an ideal medium loam. 

 Around Carlisle, where the Lias formation meets the Keuper 

 Marl, some excellent fruit-growing soil is produced. 



On entering Westmorland the Shale formations predominate, 

 but in many districts the weathering has produced a soil on 

 which fruit can be grown (Westmorland, Damson). 



