HO FRUIT CULTURE. 



essential to provide shelter to the north and east ; and 

 also, if possible, at a sufficient distance from the garden 

 so as not to shade it, a plantation of trees to the west 

 and south-west, as a protection from the high winds in 

 that direction. Such plantations, however, must be placed 

 at a considerable distance from the garden, in order that 

 their roots may not extend to the rich garden soil, and 

 thus impoverish it, for it is astonishing to note the dis- 

 tance that the roots of some trees will travel in search 

 of nourishment of this kind. And whilst it is needful 

 to provide shelter, it is absolutely essential that there 

 should be full exposure to the snn. 



As to soil, a deep, rich loam is undoubtedly the best, 

 but the soil has to be taken as it is, and transformed as 

 nearly as possible to what it should be. 



Preparation of Soil. The first consideration is drainage 

 Be sure that this is good and sufficient, and if possible 

 it should be so arranged as to concentrate the water to 

 one main outlet, which can be periodically inspected to 

 ensure that it is clear and in working order. 



The ground must in all cases be trenched, breaking it 

 up to a depth of from eighteen inches to two feet, accord- 

 ing to the soil. Do not on any account bury the top spit 

 in the bottom of the trench, but retain each in its proper 

 place, and if the soil be at all poor apply a heavy coat of 

 manure at the time of trenching, placed immediately 

 below the top spit. In most soils a good coating of fresh 

 lime is very beneficial immediately after treiiching, as it 

 entirely destroys slugs and innumerable Iarva3 of insect 

 pests, and helps to decompose vegetable matter in the 

 soil and to prepare it for plant food, whilst it supplies in 

 itself a necessary ingredient, which is frequently deficient 

 in the soil. The application of soot is generally beneficial ; 



