90 



THE APPLE CULTURI8T. 



Fig. 46. shovelfuls of mellow soil 



are scattered over the 

 roots. If the ground is 

 at all compact in the bot 

 torn of the excavation, 

 make a deep hole with a 

 large crowbar, to receive 

 the tap-root, if there is 

 such an appendage ; and 

 if a long lateral can be 

 obtained, let it be thrust 

 down into the hole, af- 

 ter which fill the hole 

 with mellow soil or rich 

 mould. The object of 

 the tap-root is to supply 

 the tree with moisture in 

 hot and dry weather. If 



the ground is poor, let 

 Extent of the roots of a young apple-tree. & j Qad Qf mellow soil be 



carted from a distant field, or plough up the turf along the 

 highway for the purpose. Spread out the little fibres, and 

 cover them with rich, mellow soil. Much of the success of 

 transplanting depends on bringing the soil in contact with 

 every fibre, so as to leave no hollow to cause the decay of 

 the roots. Not only must this be secured by patiently fill- 

 ing in the cavities among and under the roots, but, where 

 the trees are not small, it is customary to pour in a pail of 

 water when the roots are nearly covered with soil. The 

 water carries the liquid mould to every hidden part. After 

 the water has settled away, fill up the hole. Avoid press- 

 ing the earth about the tree with the foot. In windy 

 situations it will be necessary to place a stake each side of 

 the tree, to hold it upright ; or, if large stones are at hand, 



