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Pittstown, N. J. Sept. 3, 1887.

W. S. Maxwell, Esq.,

Dear Sir:

The hurly burly of peach harvest has prevented an
earlier reply to your note of the 22nd, ult.

As soon as your trees show signs of premature decay apply
muriate of potash and bone dust, evenly mixed in equal quantity
by measure.  For trees that have not begun to bear apply
one-half pint to a pint to each tree, spreading it as far as
the branches extend.  I would not put any on healthy trees
before bearing.  For trees four years old and more apply
four to six hundred pounds to the acre,  spreading it, or
putting it in with a grain drill.  If the trees are fruiting
much, apply the mixture every year--in the fall <s>and</s> or early
spring.  If some of the trees show signs of decay, put on
them a little larger allowance.  You can reclaim them, if
the remedy is used when the diseased condition is incipient;
if much advanced, take the tree out.  Thorough culture is
necessary in all cases.

Your soil is different from ours.  I will be glad if
you will report to me the results of this treatment on your
land.
        