(3) Protects roots during winter, and holds the snow.

(4) Helps to dry out the soil in spring, thus permitting earlier working of the land.

(5) In some cases adds directly to the store of nitrogen in the soil, as when leguminous crops are used.

(6) Growth of trees late in the season is checked.

KIND OF COVER CROP.

What to sow for a cover crop depends largely upon soil and location. On good strong land, which is not specially in need of additional nitrogen, winter rye has proved the most satisfactory of anything tried at the Station. It germinates quickly, and even in cold seasons, when frosts come early, will form a very satisfactory mat before winter. On" thin" soils, however, rye does not stool freely and fails to make a good cover. Such soils also are usually in need of more nitrogen and will be benefited by the use of some leguminous crop like the vetches or mammoth clover. The ideal cover crop on such soils is winter vetch (Vicia villosa), sown as early as July 15. Within six weeks this plant develops nitrogen accumulating nodules and contributes directly to the fertility of the land. It is hardy and usually makes a good growth the following spring before time for plowing.

Spring vetch (Vicia sativa), is another nitrogen gathering cover crop which makes a very vigorous growth in the fall, often forming a perfect mat a foot thick, when sown August I. It is apparently even more efficient than the winter vetch as a nitrogen gatherer, but it does not survive the winter; hence is not as valuable in preventing washing by the spring rains, and does not help dry out the land in spring.

Mammoth clover must be sown as early as July 15 to produce sufficient growth to be of much value. As a rule the vetches are to be preferred.

Other crops used at the Station for this purpose are peas, oats, and these two combined. All things considered, however, the first three mentioned are the most satisfactory.

A WORD OF CAUTION.

While in general the use of a cover crop in cultivated orchards is advantageous, there are cases where, if used injudiciously, it

may be actually detrimental. One such case is the use of rye upon a soil naturally dry and gravelly; especially if the crop is left late in spring before plowing under. This treatment may result in so drying the soil as to seriously interfere with the growth of the trees. On soils of the nature indicated, spring vetch or oats are always to be preferred unless the land is to be plowed promptly in the spring.

ORCHARD WORK AT NEW GLOUCESTER.

For the purpose of emphasizing the importance of rational treatment of orchard lands in other sections of the State, arrangements have been made with Mr. John W. True and Mr. Fred H. Chandler of New Gloucester to carry on certain coöperative experiments in the planting and management of orchards. The work in Mr. True's orchard includes the use of cover crops and a comparison of the Fisher formula with the Station formula and with stable manure. For the latter work an orchard of Baldwins, set about 20 years and sadly in need of pruning, was selected. The orchard was pruned and plowed, and fertilizers were applied as follows: 4 rows were given stable manure; 5 rows Station fertilizer; 4 rows Fisher fertilizer; with a check row between each two plats. For the study of cover crops, a two-acre orchard of Ben Davis and a one-acre orchard of Sutton, both just coming into bearing, are available. The crops thus far used are rye and winter vetch, but of course only a report of progress can as yet be made concerning either line of work indicated.

The work in Mr. Chandler's orchard contemplates a study of different methods of orchard treatment and some of the problems connected with the top-grafting of orchards. About eight acres of rolling land, in plain sight from the Maine Central Railroad station at New Gloucester, were fitted and planted to various trees in the spring of 1905. The land is mostly a strong loam, with heavier subsoil, and had been in hay for several years. The ground was plowed the first week in May and, after harrowing, the trees were set two rods apart each way. Between the first five rows, and alternating with the trees in those rows, (thus making a quincunx" planting) "fillers" of Wealthy were planted. In 1906 the planting of "fillers" will be extended.

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Strong two-year old trees of the following varieties were used: Northern Spy, Ben Davis, Tolman, and Wealthy. Most of these, except the Wealthy "fillers," will eventually be topgrafted to Baldwin.

Careful maps and records have been made and reports of progress will be made later. During the past season the orchard between the trees was planted to corn, peas and potatoes. It is designed to keep the greater part of the orchard under cultivation each year.

FIG. 10.

FIG. 9. In need of renovation-one-half barrel of fruit.