THE ORCHARD. 193 



llth. Staking. Where the trees are large, or the situ- 

 ation is exposed, either one or two stakes should be plant- 

 ed with each tree, to which it must be kept fastened for 

 the first season, until the roots have fixed themselves in 

 the ground. A proper provision must be made to pre- 

 vent the tree from rubbing or chafing against the stake. 

 When two stakes are used, it may be fastened to each in 

 such a way as not to rub against either. 



12th. Mulching. This should be looked upon as an 

 indispensable operation in all cases. It consists in laying 

 on the surface of the ground, around the trees, to the dis- 

 tance of three feet or so, a covering two or three inches 

 deep of half-decomposed manure, short straw, hay, etc., 

 or litter of any kind, that may be at hand. This prevents 

 the moisture of the soil from evaporating, and maintains 

 a uniformity of heat and moisture which is highly favor- 

 able to the formation of new roots. It also prevents the 

 growth of weeds around the tree, and obviates the ne- 

 cessity of hoeing, dressing, or watering, during the season. 

 We frequently practise it among nursery rows of late, 

 spring-planted trees with great advantage. A deep 

 mulching should always be given to fall-planted trees, to 

 prevent the frost from penetrating to the roots or draw- 

 ing up the tree. 



13th. After-management of Orchard Trees. This con- 

 sists in the cultivation of the soil among the trees, and 

 pruning them to regulate their growth. For the first five 

 or six years after planting, the ground among orchard 

 trees may be advantageously cropped with potatoes, ruta- 

 bagas, or sugar beets. The manuring and culture that 

 these roots require keep the soil in good condition, and 

 will assist in defraying the expenses of the orchard. 

 Grain crops should never be planted among trees, as they 

 deprive them of air to a very injurious extent. If no 

 root crops are cultivated, the ground should be kept clean 

 and mellow with the one-horse plow and cultivator, the 

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