Details of Planting an Orchard 77 



light, and the temperature is but very slightly above freez- 

 ing. Under such surroundings the trees will thaw very 

 gradually in a uniform temperature and with less danger 

 of serious injury as a result of the freezing than if handled 

 in any other way that can be suggested. Under some condi- 

 tions, as where no cellar having a suitable temperature is 

 available, the trees may be buried for a time before they 

 are unpacked. In either case they ought to be unpacked 

 and properly handled as soon as they have thawed. 



If trees are received in a badly dried out condition so that 

 the bark is somewhat shrunken and shriveled, they can be 

 saved sometimes by burying them at once in moist soil 

 and allowing them to remain some days, or until the bark 

 has regained its normal condition and appearance. Sub- 

 merging them in water, especially running water, for a brief 

 period is sometimes recommended for a similar purpose. 

 However, every precaution should be taken to guard against 

 adverse temperatures or the drying of the trees in transit. 

 The methods of treatment suggested for such cases are 

 only "last resort methods" which may prevent entire loss 

 of trees so injured. 



PREPARING THE LAND FOR THE TREES 



The ideal preparation of the soil where peach trees are 

 to be planted consists of deep plowing and thorough pul- 

 verizing with the harrow or cultivator. The preparation 

 should be hardly less thorough than for planting corn, 

 potatoes, or root-crops. It is also of the highest importance 

 that the soil be rich in humus. For this reason it is likely 

 to be an advantage if the site to be planted has recently 

 been occupied by clover, co^v^^eas, or some other green-manure 



