PREPARATION OF THE GROUND 17 



around the tree, should circumstances compel 

 such a course. By adopting either plan, a 

 double benefit to the trees is brought about 

 by allowing free access of water to the roots 

 and preventing an accumulation of noxious 

 gases in the soil, as would be the case if 

 the flagstone or pavements were used. 



Where street trees are to be planted, the 

 ground surface should in every instance be 

 thoroughly broken up for a space of not less 

 than 8 ft. square, and to a depth of, say, 

 4 ft., the inferior soil removed and replaced 

 by that of good quality, preferably of a loamy 

 description, or loam and leaf soil in about 

 equal proportions. Before placing the fresh 

 soil in position, the sides and bottom of 

 each pit should be thoroughly loosened 

 with a pick or fork. By undermining 

 the sides of each .pit, a much larger and 

 freer root run will be provided, and this 

 will not occasion so much of the street or 

 pavement to be torn up as if the pits were 

 of equal width at the top and bottom. We 

 have found, in London at least, that the ad- 



