BOOK OF FRUITS. 15 



the decomposition of animal and vegetable 

 substances, and by its deliquescence in many 

 instances increasing the fertility of soils. It is 

 undoubtedly true, as said by Sir Humphrey 

 Davy, that the great object in the application 

 of manures should be, "to make it afford as 

 much soluble matter as possible to the roots of 

 the plant, and that in a slow and gradual man- 

 ner, so that it may be entirely consumed in 

 forming its sap and organized parts." Vege- 

 table manures in general contain fibrous and 

 insoluble matter, which must, says the same 

 writer, "undergo chemical changes before they 

 become the food of plants." 



If the situation or soil in which Fruit Trees 

 are placed, retains stagnant water, destructive 

 to their healthy growth, drains must be made 

 to carry it off, or means taken to prevent the 

 roots from running into it. 



PRUNING. 



It is rather difficult to give upon paper very 

 explicit directions in this department of cul- 

 ture, as many varieties of Fruit Trees require 

 different management : Peaches, cherries, and 

 plums are always in the greatest vigor when 



