53 



As shown in the table, the first important crop on these trees 

 appeared in 191 1. Although some rather conspicuous difi:"erences 

 were brought out by this crop, and also in some of the totals we 

 are reserving judgment in regard to the significance of the results 

 here until we get ftirther returns. The figures are given, how^ever, 

 so that those interested may see just what the results to date are, 

 and draw their own conclusions. There are some slight irregular- 

 ities in this experiment in age of trees and of Stayman grafts, but 

 we have made corrections so far as possible to eliminate their in- 

 fluences. 



A careful study of this table brings out the rather surprising 

 fact that thus far the ruling element on yield here has not been 

 nitrogen, but potash. The relatively low influence of nitrogen is 

 consistently shown in the resiflts of plots 2 and 9 and also in the 

 manure plot. The strong influence of potash is shown just as con- 

 sistently in the results of plots 3. 5, 6 and S. It is evident, there- 

 fore, that so far as can be judged from present indications in this 

 experiment, a fertilizer relatively rich in potash should be used. 



These indications may be connected with certain things in the 

 previous treatment of the soil here and with the fact that the usual 

 orchard tillage has been maintained over the tree roots. Thus the 

 necessity for nitrates has doubtless been reduced. The appearance 

 and growth of the trees on the nitrogen plots, however, is such that 

 we prefer to await ftirther returns, before coming to any final de- 

 cisions. 



