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34 PEEPAUATION OF THE SOIL. 



of the spread roots to be planted in tliem, nor of a 

 less depth than six inches below the bottom of these 

 roots. 



When it is intended to prepare the ground only in 

 the immediate vickiity of the tree, the holes should 

 not be less than four feet in width, by two feet in depth. 

 But no plan can be more defective than digging 

 deep holes in retentive clayey soils, where water will 

 collect without freedom of passage. Filling this hole 

 with loose earth does not alter its character for retain- 

 ing water, and the roots must soon decay. When it 

 is only intended to dig such holes without connecting 

 them one with another in the form of a trench, ha^dng 

 an outlet fall, the planter had far better dig but a 

 shallow hole, and prepare himself for very indifferent 

 results without more pains than mere hole-digging. 



DIGGING TEEES. 



The disappointment and chagrin which the tree- 

 planter feels at seeing a sickly tree linger feebly 

 through three or four seasons of yellow leaves and 

 dwindling branches, would often be averted if some 

 person interested in the life and growth of the tree, 

 and with skill to direct, were present at its digging. 



It is just at this point that the care of the cultivator 

 should begin, for it is too late for skillful management, 

 when the tree has been ruined in the digging. 



Ko disappointment can be more exasperating than 

 that experienced by one who waits with feverish 

 impatience, year after year, for the fruiting of his trees, 

 and sees them struggle, almost like living sentient 

 things, to preserve a sickly existence, and ultimately 



