436 Transactions op the 



The right way of preparing the ground, if for field or orchard plant- 

 ing, is this: The whole surface should be deeply and thoroughly tilled, 

 either with a plow or by trenching with the spade. For street planting, 

 or where there is but a limited amount of room, the whole of the ground 

 the length of the row, and as wide as possible, should be deeply and 

 thoroughly pulverized, and poor clay or sand replaced with rich friable 

 soil, such as the successful market garden is sure to have, and cultivate 

 carefully. In short, I would have my field or border prepared as one 

 hole holding the entire population, being careful to provide proper 

 drainage, so that no stagnant water should come in contact with the 

 roots of the trees. Would avoid putting any gross, unrotted manure 

 with the filling around the roots, but instead, would use large quantities 

 spread widely on the surface of the ground, only avoiding near contact 

 with the tree to avoid fermentation. Such application should be made 

 as soon as the trees are planted, but never comes amiss at any season of 

 the year. An annual top dressing just before the rains set in, first plow- 

 ing the ground, cannot be too highly reeommended. 



Mulching the trees, as just suggested, is the only substitute for the 

 frequent stirring of the soil. The latter must not be entirely omitted, 

 and particular attention to prevent weeds growing must be given at all 

 times. 



"With the exception of partially hoed crops, for two or three years 

 after planting the ground should be left vacant, in order to allow of 

 frequent cultivation. Wheat, barley, oats, grass, etc., are highly preju- 

 dicial to the success of trees at any time, and usually prove fatal to 

 them if grown the first or second year after planting. One crop, even, 

 may so far injure an orchard, though in bearing, that it will never 

 recover from the injurious effects. 



