PREPARATION OF THE SOIL. 69 



which have never been ploughed, but which would be more 

 valuable for orchards than for any other purpose, were 

 apple-trees properly started on them. In many localities in 

 New England, boulders cover the surface of the ground so 

 completely that a team can scarcely be driven across the 

 field. But the soil is generally of a superior quality for 

 fruit of almost every kind, and especially for apples. Were 

 the boulders removed, so that the ground could be plough- 

 ed, the land would yield abundant crops of cereal grain of 

 almost any kind. But the boulders will hinder the growth 

 of apple-trees but little, as such rocky soils are usually so 

 porous and friable that roots will strike deeply and at a 

 great length every season. 



The most economical and expeditious way of starting an 

 orchard on such ground is to commence, at one corner of 

 the plot, to stake out the places for the trees. In many in- 

 stances every boulder that would be in the way can be re- 

 moved with crowbars and cant-hooks. Occasionally, how- 

 ever, a. large boulder weighing ten or more tons may be 

 lying exactly where a tree should stand. In some instances 

 such large rocks can be buried in a hole dug close by, of suf- 

 ficient depth to receive the entire stone beneath the surface. 

 Whenever a rock is to be buried in such a manner, a strong 

 brace should hold it from tumbling in before the hole is 

 ready. 



After the plot is properly staked out in quincunx order, 

 drive a stake into the ground, a few inches from the points 

 where the trees are to grow. Then make deep holes with 

 a crowbar, as directed on another page ; fill the holes with 

 mould, sand, or mellow earth, and plant the apple- seeds in 

 late autumn, as directed. Apple-trees will grow rapidly on 

 such ground, and will yield abundant crops of fruit. 



