^:::5^ 



AUr.i'KUtl.TriM': — TUKATMKNT CI' TIIK Hell,, 



cut the roots ; and it is better than the common hoe, beoauso it enters the ground 

 dooj»ly, and i,nvos it a tlioroiiifli stirring up. Sudi an iiiijilement as this is exten- 

 sively used in France. In the nurseries it is in general use, tlie rows being generally 

 so closely planted as to prevent the passage of a plow or cultivator between tlieni. 

 The latter implements are considered by European nurserymen as somewhat barbar- 

 ous at an)' rate. 



"\Vc have known people to be so fearful lest they should disfigure their lawn, that 

 they would endeavor to plant trees in the smallest possible openings, and would 

 immediately replace the turf around them. Is it not evident that a tree so placed 

 must either die or grow feebly. To plant a tree on a lawn properly and successfully, 

 a wide hole should be cut for it — twice or three times as wide as the roots — and the 

 whole of this circle should be kept clean and deeply pulverized for several years, until 

 the tree has sent out numerous and powerful roots in all directions. No matter when 

 or how trees are planted, this after-culture is absolutely necessary ; and we will say to 

 those who have planted recently, that unless they bestow such labor on their trees, 

 better for them now to pull them up and burn them, and thus save all further expense. 

 Mulching — which means covering the ground with half-decayed manure, decayed 

 leaves, or some such material — is a commendable practice in the management of 

 young trees, and of dwarf fruit trees, and all others whose roots are near the surface, 

 and confined to a small space. It not only keeps down a growth of weeds, but guards 

 the roots against frequent changes and the ill effects of a drying atmosphere. This, 

 however, will not render cultivation unnecessary ; for with all the mulching the ground 

 will settle down and become compact, unless of an extremely sandy or porous nature. 

 In speaking of transplanting, we objected to the application of manure around the 

 roots, because they were not in a state to make use of it; and we advised its being 

 furnished as a top-dressing after the trees had become established and the roots active. 

 This top-dressing should never be applied as long as the trees show sufficient vigor 

 and luxuriance ; but when necessary, it should always be applied in the 

 fall, so that daring winter and spring it may be dissolved and converted 

 into a state in which it may be taken up by the roots. This applies to 

 all sorts of natural and artificial manures or composts. When applied 

 in spring, they have no time to be dissolved before the heat and drouth 

 of summer comes, and they are dried up, becoming an injury rather than 

 a benefit. Liquid manure, however, may be applied during the growing 

 season, and will be particularly beneficial in dry weather. It should be 

 applied weak, however, and in sufficient quantity to reach the roots ; a 

 small portion thrown on the surface evaporates immediately, without 

 eff'ecting the least good. In top-dressing with manures and composts, a 

 sort of forked spade should be used, (fig. 2,) which is far better than a 

 common spade, being much less liable to injure the roots ; and it stirs up 

 and loosens the soil without turning it over, just as a subsoil plow loosens 

 and pulverizes the subsoil without throwing it up to the surface. 



