TREE-PLANTING. 23 



see to it himself; or he should by careful inquiry 

 select a man for the task who could bring testi- 

 monials from those to whom he had rendered like 

 services in the past. 



The hole destined to receive a shade or fruit 

 tree should be at least three feet in diameter and 

 two feet deep. It then should be partially filled 

 with good surface soil, upon which the tree should 

 stand, so that its roots could extend naturally ac- 

 cording to their original growth. Good fine loam 

 should be sifted through and over them, and they 

 should not be permitted to come in contact with 

 decaying matter or coarse, unfermented manure. 

 The tree should be set as deeply in the soil as it 

 stood when first taken up. As the earth is thrown 

 gently through and over the roots it should be 

 packed lightly against them with the foot, and 

 water, should the season be rather dry and warm, 

 poured in from time to time to settle the fine soil 

 about them. The surface should be levelled at 

 last with a slight dip towards the tree, so that spring 

 and summer rains may be retained directly about 

 the roots. Then a mulch of coarse manure is 

 helpful, for it keeps the surface moist, and its rich- 

 ness will reach the roots gradually in a diluted 

 form. A mulch of straw, leaves, or coarse hay is 

 better than none at all. After being planted, three 

 stout stakes should be inserted firmly in the earth 



