So THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE. 



this is seldom the case with the borders in question in cultivated gardens. The top spit 

 of these, as far as the roots of the fruit trees are concerned, is practically maiden soil, for 

 they have been far below it for years. This surface soil may and should be utilised in 

 the renovation of fruit trees. The top few inches of a calcareous pasture, where the 

 soil is a good hazel loam, unquestionably form a good addition to old garden ground, but 

 used in large bulk it is apt to form a close, soapy mass in a year or two. 



All that existing fruit borders require, as a rule, is trenching two feet deep, mixing 

 some of the under with the upper layer of soil, loosening the bottom, and mixing with it 

 and the soil generally lime rubbish, marl or road scrapings, as texture determines, so as 

 to improve it as a rooting medium, and as a source of nutrient matter available for being 

 taken up by the roots of the trees. If the rubble drainage be dirty, clean it, making sure 

 that water cannot lodge nor the roots penetrate injurious strata ; and where it is necessary 

 to take out the soil to prevent that, it will be worth considering whether it would not 

 be wise to exchange some of the worst soil of the border for better from the adjoining 

 vegetable quarter. This is much cheaper and often better than carting new soil from 

 a considerable distance. 



Manure can be added in turning the soil to make good its deficiencies in humus, and 

 mineral matters given afterwards. Be careful to burn all the roots of old trees that are 

 removed, along with the branches and prunings, strewing the resulting ash on the ground 

 after trenching. Borders of pyramid, bush, or espalier trees should be treated similarly, 

 also bush fruit. A dressing of quicklime, 80 bushels to the acre, or half a bushel per rod, 

 after the ground is stirred, mixed with the top spit, will generally be all that is neces- 

 sary to render sufficient food available for the trees in their early years, together with 

 manure applied to the surface. Where the loss of soil constituents appears considerable, 

 as evidenced in the enfeebled state of existing or removed trees, it will be advisable to 

 apply a dressing of restorative substances say, superphosphate of lime, 5 cwts. ; kainit, 

 2 cwts. ; sulphate of iron, J cwt. mixed, per acre, or 5J Ibs. of the mixture per rod, 

 applying in February. In the autumn follow with a dressing of bone-meal 12 J cwts. 

 per acre, or 8f Ibs. per rod, the applications extending over the whole border surface. 



Digging among Fruit Trees. A spade should never be used near a fruit tree for any 

 purpose other than lifting, root pruning and transplantation. A light pointing up of the 

 surface with a fork in the autumn after the leaves have fallen from the trees is all the 

 digging required in light soils. Heavy soils, however, are liable to form a close surface 

 impermeable to air and rain in winter, and to become baked and cracked 12 Bummer. 



