JVotcs and Gleaning'^. 



51 



least a foot below the general level. During two summers the plants are allowed 

 to grow unmolested, and in winter the branches are covered with earth to the 

 thickness of a foot, as a protection from frost, in the manner described below. 

 In the third spring after planting, the tree is cut at six inches or eight inches from 



the ground, to induce young shoots, which are to form the principal branches of 

 the tree. These grow on during summer, and in autumn are covered up with eartli. 

 A dry day is chosen, when the soil is friable. All weeds and leaves, as well as 

 the half-grown autumn figs, — indeed, all matters tending to induce decay, — are 

 removed, and the branches are divided into four equal bundles, which are tied 

 together with string. A trench is then dug for each bundle, which is covered 





Fig. 



Fig. 3. 



to the depth of eight inches, a small cone of earth being piled over the roots. 

 Fig. I shows the appearance after the tree has been covered up ; fig. 2 shows 



