5 2 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE. 



In planting, an excavation should be made sufficiently wide to allow of the roots 

 being spread out at full length. It is a good plan in newly trenched borders to firm the 

 soil well where each tree is to be placed, as wide as the roots when spread out will 

 extend. This is better than planting in loose soil, as the compressed soil at the bottom 

 will induce fresh roots to extend nearer the surface of the border. No tree should be 

 planted deeper than will admit of the roots where they start from the stem being covered 

 with 2 to 3 inches of soil. If the trees have been planted deeper or shallower, correct 

 the error. 



Having cut back any long fibreless roots, and pared smoothly any bruised or broken ends, 

 place a little mound of fine soil for the tree to rest on ; disentangle the roots and spread 

 them out evenly in layers with soil between, so that they will be regularly distributed 

 through it, and not jammed together. The uppermost roots ought not to be covered 

 deeper than 3 inches ; all should have a slight inclination from the stem outwards, while 

 the soil should be compressed about them. A little fine, rather rich, compost will assist 

 in filling up the interstices in planting, and further the early and free formation of roots, 

 but it must not be made rich with fresh manure. The best is the debris of the 

 rubbish heap vegetable mould which has had the woody portions charred or burned, 

 and quicklime added some weeks prior to its employment. It should be passed through 

 an inch sieve to rid it of pieces of wood. Avoid leaf-soil that contains sticks or beech 

 mast. The woody matter encourages fungus. Ordinary loam with a sixth part each of 

 old mortar rubbish, sweetened horse-droppings, as used for mushroom beds, and wood 

 ashes answer perfectly, incorporating well, These and the soil must be in a free working 

 state, for it should be well consolidated. This is essential in the cultivation of all stone 

 fruits, but trampling on it when wet is ruinous. Loose rich soil causes the roots to run 

 riot, and the branches to become long and sappy, whereas it is firm, short-jointed wood 

 that insures a maximum of health and large, juicy, full-flavoured fruit. A good watering 

 may be given if the soil is somewhat dry, not otherwise. Mulch the surface with 2 to 3 

 inches thickness of stable litter, the coarser portions of straw having been removed. 

 If rather lumpy all the better, but avoid manure in a close, soapy state. Secure the 

 growths loosely to the wall to prevent damage from winds, not affixing them closely till 

 the soil has settled. 



Trees that have been properly attended to, and annually or biennially lifted, move 

 with balls of soil. If they have not been so prepared, a trench may be taken out as deep 

 as the roots, and one-third the distance from the stem that the trees cover of wall or 



