PBEPABATION OP GBOUND FOB NUBSEBY. 37 



of seed, and so on, in alternate layers, until all is bedded ; 

 and this they claim is the best method of all. Some make 

 no seed-bed at all, but plant the seed at first in the nurs- 

 ery. This method we shall speak of again when we come 

 to treat of the nursery. 



CHAPTER IV. 



PREPARATION OF GROUND FOR NURSERY. 



This is simple, but it should be done with skill and care. 

 The form should be a square or a parallelogram, and it 

 is immaterial which. These forms are preferable, because 

 the nurseryman wishes to avoid point rows, and they are 

 the only ones that enable him to do so. The advantage 

 of even rows is found in fewer turns in preparing and cul- 

 tivating the ground, less injury to the trees, and a conse- 

 quent saving of both time and money. 



To secure this, the plat should be squared or staked off 

 with the parallel lines running east and west at right 

 angles with those running north and south. In this way 

 there will be no lost ground nor point rows. The next 

 thing is to plow the ground. This should be done in the 

 spring, as soon as it is in good order about the same 

 time as for corn. Plowing should be thorough, and about 

 the ordinary depth. From six to eight inches will do very 

 well. The furrows should not be too wide ; they should 

 be rather within than beyond the average. They should 

 be of uniform width and depth. By observing these 

 rules, complete pulverization and a very smooth surface 

 will be attained. 



The next thing is the harrowing. The ordinary drag 

 is the proper implement. If the ground is of the char- 



