36 PROFITABLE FRUIT-GROWING. 



they are fed, the finer is the fruit. Still the plants 

 also produce strong woody roots which enjoy a 

 deep run, and the deeper and better it is, the 

 stronger are the canes and the better is the growth 

 supported in dry weather. The two classes of 

 roots thus have important missions to perform the 

 strong and deep to produce substantial canes , the 

 finer and multitudinous surface fibres to feed the 

 crops of fruit. Bearing these facts in mind, the 

 soil should be made friable and good to a depth of 

 at least 18 inches, and 2 feet if possible. In pre- 

 paring the ground the best soil must be kept 

 towards the top. The lower can be enriched with 

 rough manure and decaying vegetable refuse of any 

 kind. Heavy soil should be lightened with what- 

 ever porous material can be collected, and if this 

 cannot be freely mixed through the mass, place the 

 lightest and best around the roots when planting, 

 as the growth is often very slow when the roots are 

 in contact with strong, clay -like soil. 



Planting. The ground being in readiness, next 

 follows the planting. The sooner this is done in 

 the autumn after the leaves can be shaken from the 

 canes the better, or when they separate easily when 

 the hand is drawn up them ; the next best time- 

 being when the buds commence swelling in early 

 spring. It is most important that the roots are not 



