TlIK XlRSKKY I.MHSTKY IN XttW YoKK 



653 



Where an adequate supply <>t organic matter is obtained in 

 this way, no fertilizers arc used. There are two important 

 factors to remember in the soil management: first, there must be 

 a large supply of organic matter that can be liberated by con- 

 stant tillage for the benefit of the plants ; second, the soil must be 

 sufficiently retentive of moisture so that the plants are never 

 stunted at any time, and it must be sufficiently well drained so 

 that tillage can be maintained at all times. Land sufficiently 

 well drained for a farm crop may not be well enough drained 

 for a nursery crop. 



PLANTING 



Iii the spring the land is well 

 iitted before the seedlings are 

 planted, which means that it 

 should be like a garden. It is 

 then rolled. A trench is opened 

 with a trencher which carries a 

 marker attached, the rows 

 usually being made about forty 

 inches apart and according to 

 whether the seedlings or grafts 

 arc 1 to be planted. The method 

 of planting varies. With some 

 trenchers the trench remains 

 sufficiently open so that the 

 stock can be placed in by hand and a little soil pulled round it, 

 but with others the soil falls back to such an extent that a spade 

 is necessary to reopen the trench to permit of the seedling being 

 pushed down to the proper degree. There is no use following a 

 cheeseparing policy with nursery stock. Anything that does the 

 work in a better manner is worth pursuing, because the total 

 expenditure incurred is considerable and the neglect of one factor 

 is serious. 



Our custom is to plant at the back of the spade in addition to 

 opening the trench, in order to get the roots down where we want 

 them. Two men work together; one manipulates the spade and 

 the other sticks the stock ; the man who uses the spade kicks a 



FIG. 165. REAR VIEW OF TRENCHER, 

 OPENING FURROW FOR THE STOCK 



