fO THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE. 



whereby the iron is dissolved and passes off by the drains ; worms act unfettered and im- 

 prove the mass, for, as Darwin has shown, they grind the particles of soil swallowed, 

 liberating plant food, and, better than all, they dissolve the red iron oxide. By breaking 

 up and opening the subsoil, moisture is not only admitted from above, but from below, 

 for in a droughty period there is a movement of moisture upwards by capillary attraction. 

 It is important, therefore, that the capillary tubes are open, but it is equally important to 

 prevent the escape of moisture into the air that may be needed in the earth, and this 

 may be done by stirring the surface with hoes or other implements, or covering with 

 manure. The cultivator can, by a proper preparation of the soil, utilize natural forces 

 in bringing water to the roots of his trees, which is quite as necessary for their sustenance 

 as an excess is ruinous. 



Due amelioration of the soil is of great importance, especially when it has been 

 disturbed either by mixing or in bringing some of the bottom soil to the surface. 

 Exposure to the sun has a beneficial effect through admitting air to decomposed 

 organic matter and forming new constituents. This applies more to tenacious soils 

 than those of medium texture. "When a soil abounds in stubborn matters it cannot 

 be too completely exposed to the action of the air. Eich heavy land cannot well be too 

 much stirred during the summer. The benefit derived from keeping the roots near the 

 surface is had to the fullest extent when the soil is well trenched or stirred deeply, 

 thrown in rough ridges, and then moved about in dry frosty or hot sunny weather. 

 Atmospheric gases are then absorbed and retained, these making the soil friable and 

 fertile. Every means, therefore, should be taken to secure as deep a staple of aerated 

 material as possible. 



Light soils do not require aeration, except that effected by removing stagnant water ; 

 indeed, they are injured chemically as well as mechanically by ridging and unnecessary 

 stirring (except hoeing the surface). They are generally pulverised enough, and extra 

 exposure only hastens the decomposition of organic remains and the escape of gaseous 

 fertile constituents. A dressing of lime at the rate of 240 bushels per acre, or 1| 

 bushel per rod, equal to 30J square yards, will effect a great improvement in the texture 

 of clay soil ; and friable loam may have a lessened dressing of 1 bushel per rod, or 160 

 bushels per acre. The lime should be applied in September, always in dry weather, 

 and spread after being slaked in convenient heaps. It should be pointed in lightly, 

 not deeply buried, as it naturally finds its way downwards. 



Preparing Stations. In som* gardens it is not necessary to devote a whole piece 



