1870.] CULTIVATION OF HARDY FRUITS. 1G9 



are also more open to the action of the atmosphere, which, at night 

 especially, contains a considerable amount of moisture, whereas stiff 

 clayey loams are almost impenetrable to the atmosphere. 



The best time for planting the Cherry is in autumn, say the months 

 of September or October. They may also be planted any time during 

 winter from October till the end of March; but the advantage of 

 an early-planted tree over one planted in spring is equivalent to about 

 one year's growth. If the trees get established before winter sets in, 

 they will grow and make splendid wood ; whereas if they are not 

 planted till far on in spring, in all probability they will make small 

 useless wood, which may not thoroughly ripen, and consequently will 

 be useless. Before planting, it will be necessary to have plenty of 

 soil ready for the operation, if the natural soil is not to do duty for the 

 young trees. As Cherries delight in deep soil, I would recommend 

 that it be from 1J to 2 feet in depth. The manure should be good 

 and well decomposed, and mixed regularly from top to bottom of the 

 soil for at least 3 feet further than the roots reach at the planting 

 season. In the case of making new borders, it would be as well only 

 to add the new soil year after year as it seems necessary, so as to pro- 

 vide a fresh supply of food for the young rootlets just as they require 

 it. In the case of planting trees where the old soil is to be used 

 again, I would recommend the whole border to be thoroughly trenched 

 right to the bottom, mixing in a good supply of rich manure through- 

 out. If possible, the cultivator should get a little fresh material to 

 plant the trees with, as it will give them a start from which they will 

 derive much benefit. One good cart-load to every young tree will be 

 found of great value. Whether this be done or not, a large hole should 

 be dug, so that all the roots may be nicely spread out into position. 

 After this the soil may be spread and the hole filled in as already 

 directed, pressing it gently with the foot to give it a firmness about the 

 roots. Mulching for protection from dry weather in summer is very 

 necessary for the first year or two, and in very dry localities it will 

 be found of considerable utility to continue the practice regularly. 



The distances which should divide Cherry-trees when planted must 

 be regulated according to circumstances. In some localities they grow 

 into huge proportions, while in others they remain comparatively small 

 trees. In a locality where the Cherry succeeds remarkably well I 

 would recommend that they be planted at distances varying from 20 

 to 25 feet — a rider and a dwarf fan alternately, so that in the 

 course of a few years the rider would be removed, and the fan left for 

 the permanent tree. Thus each tree would have a space of from 

 40 to 50 feet of wall to fill. Such a space is filled by almost every 

 Cherry of age in the garden here, upon walls varying from 15 to 17 



