188 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



but if the earth is loosened over the whole field as low as the 

 bottom of the hole, the stagnant water will flow off. 



Selection of Trees. — In selecting trees for transplanting, an 

 eye should be had to the diameter of the tree, instead of the 

 height. Choose those that have made their last years growth 

 stocky, without regard to height; yet when a nursery-man, or 

 tree-peddler is making his yearly visits in taking orders, when 

 inquired of in regard to size, he will at once speak of their great 

 height, which, in our estimation, instead of being a very good 

 recommendation, is a very weak one, and should not be regarded 

 a safe rule by the planter. Trees of stocky growth, and well sup- 

 plied with good roots, are of more consequence than long, slen- 

 der stems, even with good heads. 



Manuring and Mulching. — Says Mr. Quiun : " There is no 

 part of the work of pear-growing so little understood as that of 

 furnishing the proper kind of manure, and in the right direc- 

 tion. Young pear-trees are often killed by over kindness in 

 placing large quantities of coarse, strong, unfermented manure 

 in the holes at the time of planting, and around the bodies of 

 the trees. It should be distinctly understood that both of these 

 practices are likely to be an injury to the welfare of young trees. 

 It is admitted that unfermented manure of any kind should not 

 come in contact with a young tree." 



Says Mr. Barry : " Every garden should have its manure heap 

 in such condition that in the fall, or spring, when it comes to be 

 used, it will cut like paste. In that state only it is safe to apply 

 it. All parts of it then are thoroughly decomposed ; all seeds 

 of noxious weeds are then dead, and it is in condition capable 

 of yielding at once to the roots of growing plants healthy nutri- 

 tion that will produce a vigorous, sound and fruitful growth, 

 and this is precisely what is wanted ; far better to have a young 

 tree starved and stunted, than forced into a rank and plethoric 

 growth with crude, ill-prepared manure. We presume that 

 what the pomologists would be understood to mean in this con- 

 nection in regard to green, unfermented manure is, that it 

 should not be used in the holes at the time of planting. After 

 this time we see no reason why green or unfermented manure 

 may not be liberally spread broadcast on the surface. For the 



