242 Guano, and its Application to Fruit Trees. 



which the seed is composed. Separate from the extra labor 

 which its appUcation in a liquid state would require, we are 

 decidedly of opinion that the trees are much more benefited 

 by its incorporation with the soil, where the roots may find 

 food as they require it. 



The object with all judicious cultivators is to keep the roots 

 of trees as near the surface of the ground as possible, where 

 they will more readily receive the benefit of light rains, the 

 genial warmth of the surface soil, and the action of the air 

 upon the roots, a subject too often lost sight of, especially in 

 heavy soils. It is for this reason that, in such soils, we do 

 not recommend the use of guano alone, but only in connec- 

 tion with some well decomposed manure, which, acting me- 

 chanically, by loosening the soil, and rendering it more per- 

 meable to air, the roots can more readily extend in search of 

 nourishment. 



Reasoning thus, we have applied Guano to our specimen 

 fruit trees, particularly pears, which are planted on the bor- 

 ders of the walks, six to eight feet apart, at the rate of a pound to 

 each tree, (four to six years old,) strewed equally over the width 

 of the border, and immediately dug in, a thin coat of manure 

 having been first given. This is done early in June, when 

 the borders are usually dug. 



The results of this single application have been surprising. 

 The trees have grown with rapidity, making short-jointed 

 and stocky shoots, and, with a judicious summer-pruning, 

 ripening perfectly well. A portion of the trees are on the 

 quince stock, and the others on pear ; but we make no difler- 

 ence in the application of guano to each. 



Our advice, therefore, is, to all who have fine trees which 

 they are desirous of forwarding ia a vigorous and healthy 

 manner, to apply guano as we have recommended. On trees 

 planted the present year, a half pound to each tree will be 

 ample, spreading it within a circle of three feet from the tree : 

 to those two years planted, a pound each may be applied ; 

 and to those older, the quantity may be increased slightly ; 

 always strewing it on evenly, and digging it in to the depth of 

 a few inches with the spade. 



At a future time, we shall continue an account of our exper- 

 iments with guano on forest trees, shrubs, grape vines, roses, &c. 



