1905.] Experiments with Apple Trees. 



493 



distance from the surface and not the character of the soil 

 contiguous to the roots being the dominant factor in their 

 development. But if the new roots had to develop in a medium 

 of clay, they did not do so as freely, and the growth of thejree 

 was less. 



Planting trees slightly too high or too low — to the extent 

 of four inches — has not made any difference in the results 

 obtained ; the trees seem to have adjusted themselves to the 

 normal level. 



Physical Character of Soil. — The mixing of chalk, flints, or 

 gravel with the soil on planting produced no appreciable effect on 

 the trees at Woburn. A similar admixture of peat or compost 

 improved the vigour and growth of the trees, especially at first, 

 and with the compost the crops have been considerably above 

 the normal. It is believed that this beneficial action is due chiefly 

 to the physical alteration in the soil produced by these sub- 

 stances rather than to the manurial matter contained in them. 



Times of Planting. — Planting trees at various times between 

 November 28th and March 3rd resulted in no difference in the 

 trees ; but in another series, where the times ranged from 

 October 30th to April 16th, it was found that very early 

 planting was advantageous, at any rate in cases where the 

 trees can be planted at once after having been lifted. Unfor- 

 tunately, such early planting is rarely possible, and no difference 

 seems to be made by planting at times ranging from the end of 

 November to the middle of April. Late planting, however, 

 should generally be avoided, as there is greater risk then of 

 getting roots dried up during removal. 



Watering Trees. — Watering trees during the period of growth 

 has been tried for four years in certain plots, but no results, 

 good or bad, have been produced up to the present. 



Removal of Blossoms. — The removal of blossoms from a tree 

 for several years after it has been planted produces very advan- 

 tageous results in some cases, the trees being benefited as 

 regards their growth, and the crops eventually obtained being 

 much in excess of those from trees which had not been dis- 

 blossomed. The trees appear to bear heavy crops for many 

 years afterwards, and not only in the year when they were first 

 allowed to bear. This advantage is greatest in the case of pre- 



