86 ORCHARDS. 



and well mixed, a pint or a quart of bone dust, according to 

 the size of the tree. 



Let some one hold the tree upright in its place, spread out 

 the roots carefully in their natural directions, and fill in the 

 soil carefully, working it in well among the roots with your 

 fingers, so that no holes or interstices will be left for the air to 

 affect the roots. Previously to setting the tree a small hillock 

 should be made in the hole at or near the centre to fit the sole 

 or heel of the tree, so that it may stand firm and steady. 

 When the roots are covered some two or three inches with soil, 

 take hold of the stem and give a ditjlit churning, which helps 

 to settle the fine earth about the small roots ; then press gently 

 with the foot; throw in more soil, and repeat the pressing 

 with the foot — observing at the same time that the tree stands 

 erect. When the hole or cavity is quite filled up, the tree 

 should stand about as deep as it stood in the nursery, which 

 may be known by the appearance of the bark at the root. 

 Some orchardists set one or two inches deeper, to allow for 

 settling of the earth. It is also proper to preserve a slight 

 cavity around the tree to catch the rain, if you plant in Spring. 

 If you set in Fall, have it a little sloping around from the 

 stem. If the weather is dr}^, dash a pail of water around the 

 tree to settle the ground and furnish the moisture, if it is 

 needed. 



In regard to staking, a few rocks, flat ones if you can get 

 them, placed around the stem will answer a better purpose 

 than stakes. 



If the above directions are followed, there can be no doubt 

 of luxuriant growth and a good start for the young orchard. 

 Do not work deep near the trees — stir often, and keep out the 

 grass, and the growth even of the first year will be consid- 

 erable. 



