SOILS AND THEIR PREPARATION. 17 



noticed to be the case on the same land, and even close 

 to another tree that is surface-rooted. Roots have 

 more than one function to perform ; thus you nearly 

 always find with trees, the largest roots are developed 

 on the prevailing wind side of a tree where the position 

 is exposed. Nature knows no law, and we find all 

 sorts of variations, even in plants with the most regular 

 habits of growth. It has always been held that fibrous 

 roots are more productive of flower and fruit than roots 

 that run deep ; but unless certain roots have certain 

 functions which no man can prove, I maintain there is 

 really no difference. 



The principal point to remember is that the top 

 soil is richest in all those properties that tend to good 

 growth, and it is fed year by year naturally or arti- 

 ficially. Fibrous roots thus are sought and encouraged. 

 Tap-roots are, however, of equal value, though from a 

 fruit and flower producing point of view they are held 

 to be inferior, and root-pruning in the case of fruit 

 trees has given evidence of this fact. But I think the 

 point to be remembered is this. Tap-roots are the 

 giant arteries of the tree, and when they exist in 

 strength they are put out to, firstly, build up the tree 

 with growth according to its kind, and then to feed 

 and sustain, according to the requirements of the fully- 

 developed tree. Such a tree, when it has reached its 

 intended size, will fruit and flower equally well fed by 

 tap-roots. 



Of course, if you wish to restrict growth for im- 

 mediate results, you cut off your tap-root and feed from 

 fibrous roots. 



Nature is our great adviser. For years I have 

 dug briars from the hedgerow an3 the field, and the 

 best grown, largest, and in season best flowered were 

 those with the deepest roots. It is a very hard thing 

 to find briars with a liberal supply of fibrous roots, 

 especially on a clay or heavy soil. These things teach 

 us a lot, and help us to form opinions as to methods 



