THE ORCHAKD. 177 



indispensable operation in all cases. It consists in laying 

 on the surface of the ground, around the trees, to the dis- 

 tance of three feet or so, a covering of half decomposed 

 manure, saw dust, spent tan-bark, &c., two or three inches 

 deep. This prevents the moisture of the soil from evapo- 

 rating, and maintains a uniformity of heat and moisture 

 which is highly favorable to the formation of new roots. 

 It also prevents the growth of weeds around the tree, and 

 obviates the necessity of hoeing, dressing, or watering, 

 during the season. We frequently practise it among nur- 

 sery rows of late spring-planted trees with great advan- 

 tage. A deep mulching should always be given to fall- 

 planted trees to prevent the frost from penetrating to the 

 roots or drawing up the tree. 



loth. After-management of Orchard Trees. — This con- 

 sists in the cultivation of the soil among the trees, and 

 prvming them to regulate their growth. For the first five 

 or six years after planting, the ground among orchard 

 trees may be advantageously cropped with potatoes, ruta- 

 bagas, or sugar beets. The manuring and culture that 

 these roots require, keep the soil in good condition, and 

 will assist in defraying the expenses of the orchard. 

 Grain crops should never be planted among trees, as they 

 deprive them of air to a very injurious extent. If no 

 root crops are cultivated, tlie ground should be kept clean 

 and mellow with the one horse plough and cidtivator, the 

 same as recommended for nursery culture. Every third 

 or fourth year, the trees should receive a dressing of well- 

 decomposed manure or compost adapted to the wants of 

 the soil and the tree, worked in around the roots with the 

 forked spade. This should always be done in the fall. 

 Dwarf apples and pears require more frequent and libe- 

 ral manuring than standards, because their roots occupy a 

 limited space ; their heads are large compared with the 

 roots, and they bear exhausting crops. AVlioever has a 

 8* 



