FRUITS. 249 



of fertility is absolutely necessary for the thrifty growth of 

 the tree, and its existence in a healthy and vigorous state. 

 Springy or wet land is decidedly objectionable, and if the 

 farmer can appropriate no other for this purpose, it should be 

 well drained, either by under-ground ditches or open 

 trenches, sufficiently deep to carry off the water for a depth 

 at least of two feet below the surface, so as to leave the soil 

 which is perforated by the roots, in a warm and active state, 

 flocky and stony soils of the above descriptions, are usually 

 well suited to the growth of fruit trees. The stones keep 

 the ground moist, loose and light. Some of the finest fruits 

 grow where there is scarcely room to place the roots of the 

 tree between the rocks. But a sufficient area of earth is ne- 

 cessary for an ample growth of wood, and the full size of the 

 tree at maturity. 



Stiff clays and light blowing sands, under very nice culti- 

 vation, will grow fruits ; but they require active manures. 

 Clays should be often plowed, particularly in the fall, that 

 the soil may be ameliorated by the winter frosts. The sands 

 require compact culture and appropriate manures. All such 

 as are suited to ordinary crops on these lands, will promote 

 the growth of trees. But it is preferable to appropriate soils 

 more suitble for the orchard, as the fruit will be larger, fairer 

 and better flavored, and the trees of much longer duration. 



Planting. The soil should be prepared by deep plowing, 

 before planting the trees. The sub-soil plow will accom- 

 plish this more effectually than can otherwise be done. 

 Then dig the holes from three to six feet in diameter and 

 twelve to eighteen inches deep, according to the kind of soil 

 and the size of the tree. The more compact the soil the 

 deeper and larger should be the hole. When ready to plant, 

 let enough of the best or top soil be thrown into the bot- 

 tom of the hole, so that the tree may stand about one inch 

 lower than when removed from the nursery. Take up the 

 tree so as to injure the roots as little as possible. If any be 

 broken cut them off, either square or obliquely, with a fine 

 saw or sharp knife. When left in a bruised or broken con- 

 ditition they will canker and decay in the ground ; but if 

 thus cut off, numerous rootlets will spring out at the termi- 

 nation of the amputated root, which strike into the soft 

 earth and give increased support to the tree. Should the 

 soil be poor, the roots must be covered and the holes filled 

 with good earth. If the hole be small, the surrounding land 

 hard, and the roots bent up and cramped, the tree cannot 

 11* 



