84 
AMERICAN POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 
from the soil so large quantities of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash as 
the cereals, yet they do need liberal supplies of these and some other ele- 
ments that help to constitute a fertile soil. It is far too common a practice to 
plant fruits upon lands that have already been in some measure depleted of 
their fertility, and then, fail to manure the soil for many years afterward, 
if at all. 
Within the last decade or two there has been a higher appreciation of 
the need of fertilizing fruits of all kinds than formerly. We are coming 
into a better understanding of reasons for manuring, the scientific prin- 
ciples which underlie the practice, and likewise, of the cheapest and most 
rational ways of doing it. We have come to know much more of the ex- 
ceeding value of humus in the soil, whether we are growing farm crops 
or fruits. The benefits of tillage are also better understood than they once 
were. Yet there is abundant room for improvement in both theoretical 
knowledge and practical application. 
To be more specific, we know that nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash, 
with lime for some soils, are the essential manures for fruits and all other 
crops. Any soil that does not contain them in liberal quantities and in 
available forms is not good for fruit. Nature may once have had them 
there in abundance, but if, through the agency of man, they have been much 
reduced, it is absolutely essential to renew the supply. 
Of the three nitrogen is the most expensive to obtain in a commercial way. 
Tbe various mineral nitrates and organic substances that contain nitrogen 
in available forms and in considerable quantities are always costly. But 
there is a limitless storehouse full of it within easy reach, if we only know 
how to unlock its doors. Four-fifths of the bulk of the air is free nitrogen. 
Every fruit bearing tree, vine and plant is surrounded with a sea of fer- 
tility and yet they often famish for lack of it. They cannot lay hold upon 
it. They are like shipwrecked mariners upon the briny ocean, “with water, 
water every where nor any drop to drink.” But fortunately the clovers, 
peas, beans and some other leguminous plants are the keys by which 
these doors of wealth may be unlocked. They have the peculiar ability to 
imbibe the free nitrogen of the air. Nature has also provided minute 
bacilli which cause a large part of the nitrogen to be collected in nodules 
on the roots of these plants. If the fruit grower will make use of these 
means to enrich his lands he may, for almost nothing, acquire nearly all 
the nitrogen that is necessary to the proper growth of his trees and plants. 
He can do this by sowing the clovers and cow peas in his orchards, vine- 
yards and berryfields with proper judgment. Some of the best orchards 
in the country are treated in this way. On the great Olden fruit farm 
in Southern Missouri, the cow pea is sown by the hundred acres each year. 
This is done late in June, after the land has been thoroughly tilled up to 
that time. One bushel of the variety Whippoorwill, which seems to be the 
best for that region, is sown broadcast just before the last cultivation. 
Nothing more is done with the crop until the next spring, except to turn in 
hogs when the peas are ripe and after the fruit is gathered in the fall. 
They get a large amount of nutritious food, which has cost almost nothing. 
The trash on the ground prevents washing to some extent. The following 
spring all that is left is worked into the soil by the Morgan spading harrow. 
This adds not only nitrogen, but humus to the soil. 
The same plan is followed wfith crimson clover in some of the larger pear 
and peach orchards in New Jersey and elsewhere; only, that this variety 
