i5* THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE. 



beneath the surface instead of 3 inches, over a concave bottom, and the roots are 

 twisted and turned up against the sides. Without a drain, the concrete used for keeping 

 the roots out of the clay only serves to hold water, which rises as shown. This is 

 bad practice, and represents waste of time, labour, and material. 



In planting, the roots must be equally and carefully spread out, and free soil 

 worked in amongst them and between them, for they should be in layers. In doing 

 this, be careful not to reverse the fibres, but distribute the soil from the stem out- 

 wards. Although a slight shaking of the tree may do good, avoid the violent up and 





Fig. 32. PLANTING AND DRAINAGE. 



down jerking that is often practised, and which occasions a number of kinks in the 

 roots. "When water is convenient, it may be given to settle the soil. 



In the case of dwarf trees, the top layer of roots should not be covered more than 3 

 inches, and the fibres should be encouraged to proceed from the collar, and kept near the 

 surface by judicious feeding. When the soil is light, and comparatively dry, compress 

 it moderately, but avoid very hard treading ; yet it is necessary that the interstices be 

 closed. In all but dry weather watering is not necessary, and in many cases is injurious. 



