1 8 THE BOOK OF THE APPLE 



the stems, was removed, and a remarkable difference in 

 the growth of the trees has since been apparent. The 

 impossibility of mulching is perhaps one of the greatest 

 evils associated with this altogether wrong practice, for 

 the value of a good mulch of manure during a hot 

 summer can hardly be overestimated. It tends to keep 

 the soil cool and moist, for evaporation is prevented, 

 besides which the roots have continually the benefit 

 of a mild stimulant. 



The maintenance of the delicate fibrous roots in a 

 cool and moist rooting medium throughout the long, hot 

 days of summer, makes just the difference between a 

 well grown tree and a badly grown one. Also, when 

 the ground is well mulched, one can give water with 

 the knowledge that it will not all have been dried up by 

 the sun in a day or two, but that it will really benefit 

 the trees to which it is given. Do not then, upon any 

 consideration, allow the grass to grow within two or 

 three feet of the stems of standard apple trees. 



Except that there will be no turf to remove, and 

 that the hole need not be made quite so large, the 

 planting of bushes, espaliers, etc., in the garden proper 

 may be performed in exactly the same manner as that 

 advised in detail for the standard. The same care in 

 spreading out the roots, in placing fresh soil immediately 

 around them, and in making this firm, is necessary if 

 success is to be ensured. The proper staking of apple 

 trees, after they are planted, is a matter that must not be 

 neglected, and the standard will need more attention 

 with regard to this than will the dwarf bushes and 

 espaliers. If straight, well-developed stems are to be 

 secured, it is quite essential to support them for a 

 year or two at any rate, for the long, thin stems are 

 easily blown about by the wind, and if not well 

 staked they will certainly either become crooked or 

 even be more seriously damaged. Stout, healthy bush 



