48 



that is loose and porous. A hard trodden path is warmer in summer 

 and colder in winter than the cultivated ground alongside of it. When 

 the soil particles are in pressed contact, the condition is favorable to 

 rapid conduction ; summer winds passing over such a surface carry off 

 the moisture which the heat evaporates, the surface is speedily parched 

 dry, and vegetation languishes. 



When the surface is covered with a mulch of such porous materials 

 as those enumerated it in effect secures a stratum of air in repose be- 

 tween the soil and the causes of radiation and evaporation. In the case 

 of recently planted trees, the preservation of a uniform degree of mois- 

 ture in the soil surrounding their roots is a great point towards their 

 successful growth, and, other things being equal, they will languish 

 or flourish in proportion as this condition of uniform moisture is secured. 



Although muclhing is a very simple operation, yet serious losses have 

 occurred from its misapplication. We have seen trees destroyed from 

 too heavy mulchings of grass, manure, and tan bark. Before applying 

 the mulch to a recently planted tree, if in spring, shape the soil around 

 it in basin form, extending the rim beyond the extremities of the roots ; 

 by this configuration of surface rains will be retained and, if required, 

 artificial waterings can be applied to best advantage. With regard to 

 fall planting, the process should be reversed and a slight mound formed 

 towards the stem of the plant, so as to throw off the heavy rains of 

 winter. Of course such mound should be removed before the following 

 summer. 



As already remarked, the principal use of winter mulching is to pre- 

 vent frosts from reaching the roots. The best material for this purpose 

 is charcoal dust. Where manure is used it should not be thrown close 

 up to the stem of the plant, otherwise it might prove a harbor for 

 ground mice, which in rough ground or under a coarse covering are 

 sometimes very destructive, by eating the bark of young trees. When 

 they are troublesome the precaution should be taken to trample firmly 

 over the roots and around the stem after heavy snows and keep the 

 surface dry and compact. 



In order to be effectual it is not necessary that summer mulching 

 should be heavy. When tan or char coal dust is used a layer of 2 inches 

 in depth will be quite sufficient. Grass cut from lawns is very suitable, 

 but a mere sprinkling only should be applied at a time. Thick coatings 

 promote fungoid growths, which frequently destroy the trees. Fruit 

 or ornamental trees that have been transplanted will rarely be much 

 benefited by mulching after the first year's growth. The advantage of 

 mulching to growing vegetables are equally important. Cabbages, 

 potatoes, peas, onions, and other crops will thus be enabled to main- 

 tain growth during the driest weather. This covering is not intended 

 to supersede stirring the soil, but when plants become so far advanced 

 in growth as to be beyond the hoe and plow, mulching may be applied, 

 and those wUo give it a fair trial on their crops in a dry season will not 

 require further promptings to repeat the practice. 



