82 . CHARCOAL BOTTOMS. 



killed during the winter. Where this method is to 

 be practiced, I would advise that the ground, for 

 three or four feet around the body of the trees, 

 should be mulched with hay, straw or other litter. 

 This will prevent the ground from baking and form- 

 ing a crust on the surface, besides it will keep the 

 surface at an even temperature during the growing 

 months. 



MULCHING. 



In any part of the country where charcoal dust, 

 from locomotives or old charcoal bottoms, can be 

 procured easily, there is no substance that will make 

 a better mulch for pear trees. It is a good absorbent, 

 darkens the soil, and it will retain ammonia and 

 other gases that assist in the healthy growth of all 

 plants. We used this article for mulching for many 

 years, and only stopped because the source of our 

 supply was cut off. 



When the surface of the ground, as far as the 

 roots of young trees extend, is covered by a mulch- 

 ing of some material, one-half an inch in thickness, 

 the effect on the trees is equal to a partial manuring. 

 This may readily be accounted for. In the first 

 place, the heavy rain does not compact the surface, 

 but it gradually niters through the mulch; and 

 secondly, the surface soil is moist at all times during 



