CHERRIES SOIL AND P/.AXJ/XG. 123 



thrive ill shallow soils overly iiig chalk. Nor will it succeed in peaty soils without 

 calcareous matter. In rich alluvial soils it thrives ouly on knolls having an 

 unknown depth of sand below, in which water does not lodge. 



A free, deep soil suits the cherry. It prefers rain-wash detritus worn from hill- 

 sides, incumbent on rock ; soft, sandy loam, underlaid by sand ; light, melloir soil, over- 

 lying sandstone; deep loams, interspersed with calcareous matter; and loams com- 

 mingled with flints. All soil for cherries must be sweet, water not standing within 

 several feet from the surface ; indeed, naturally drained soils only are suitable for large 

 cultures. 



In gardens, any good loamy soil will grow cherries. If the soil be not suitable it 

 can be made so by draining 4 feet from the surface, and appropriate blendings. Clay 

 soil may be rendered sufficiently friable by the addition of one-third of light loam, or 

 road scrapings, and a tenth of quicklime, mixed and left a few mouths to sweeten, 

 then incorporated with the clay to a depth of 2 feet, loosening the bottom ; drift or 

 sharp sand also renders the soil more porous. Old mortar rubbish may be added to soils 

 deficient in calcareous matter, and those rich in humus, or vegetable matter, should 

 also have a good liming. Where the soil is totally unfitted for the growth of the 

 cherry, proper borders must be made, instructions for which will be given under " Culture 

 under Glass." Deep stirring of natural soils is necessary for cherries on free stocks. 

 Rank manure ought not to be mixed in the soil in preparing it for planting, but charred 

 refuse, burnt clay, old mortar rubbish, and broken sandstone are valuable additions. 



Where the soil is unsuitable for trees on the wild cherry stock, such as strong, 

 white, upland clays, or thin soils on chalk, or on gravel, trees on Mahaleb stocks may 

 be chosen, then by mulching, top-dressing, and general good management, success may 

 be expected, except in low, wet localities. 



PLANTING. 



Trees for their respective purposes should be selected from the nurseryman's stock, 

 clean in bark, straight in stem, free from gum, and moderately strong in growth, with 

 the wood firm, and the buds plump. They should be lifted carefully, the roots kept 

 from the drying influences of the air, and the pernicious effects of frost. Planting may 

 be performed as soon as most of the leaves have fallen, always in mild weather, and 

 when the ground does not form into a puddle in working. The roots must be spread 

 out evenly and straight, using some tolerably rich free soil under, amongst, and over 



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