22 



3Ianagement of Orchards. 



two outer rows, and then fill in the centre with stakes, showing 

 where each tree is to stand ; by this means you will get the 

 trees in rows every way, as below. The outer lines show the 



boundary of the field. The broad line shows the rectangle, 

 144 yards x 60 yards. The dotted lines show the line of sight, 

 so that, from whatever point you look at the orchard, the trees 

 appear in rows. The portion of the field outside the rectangle 

 can be afterwards planted on the same scheme. If you begin 

 planting on one side, you will to a certainty fail in getting the 

 last trees into their proper places ; for if one be set but an inch 

 out^of line, it throws the next still farther out. 



In planting, if the subsoil is stiff and of bad quality, the holes 

 should be made larger and deeper than usual, the top soil being 

 placed under the roots ; but in a good loamy soil it is sufficient 

 to make them 2 feet square, taking care to have the centre 2 or 

 3 inches higher than the outsides. The roots of the young trees 

 should now be examined, and any rough, straggling portions cut 

 off; an assistant should hold the tree in its proper position whilst 

 some good mould is shaken amongst the roots. After it has 

 been further covered with 5 or 6 inches of loose mould, the stock 

 should be taken with both hands, about a foot from the ground, 

 and slightly shaken up and down, that the loose earth may settle 

 round the roots, care being taken not to raise it high enough for 

 the roots to get doubled up. 



It is very important to avoid the common mistake of planting 



the stock too deep. On stiff soils the previous depth in the nursery 



on loose soils it is advisable to go, say 1 to 



In this, as in all other agricultural operations, 



will exercise his judgment. Many planters 



burnt ashes and other manure be thrown into 



is sufficient ; but 

 2 inches deeper, 

 the good farmer 

 recommend that 



the hole before planting the stock ; but if the land is good, the 

 change of soil is sufficient, under ordinary circumstances, for 



