APPLES. 73 



growing by that rough and erroneous method of 

 planting, which should forthwith cease. 



The right method is to spread out the roots as 

 in 6, the soil beyond their extremities being well 

 broken up to the extent of at least three feet from 

 the stem ; and twice that distance preferably; 

 indeed, it is best to have the ground well worked 

 throughout. If the site is not wet, the roots near 

 the stem may be just below the ground line, the 

 fibrous portions very slightly inclining downwards ; 

 good soil should be worked well amongst them, 

 but not manure, and they may be covered about 

 four inches deep, pressing down the soil carefully 

 till it is moderately firm, but not hard, and finish 

 by spreading three inches of half-decayed manure 

 or vegetable refuse on the surface, and for a foot 

 beyond the extremities of the roots. 



Exactly the same course as to spreading out the 

 roots to their full extent must be followed in plant- 

 ing in wet land, but they may be arranged on the 

 surface or nearly so, as shown, digging soil from 

 around for working amongst them, and covering as 

 before, then adding manure as above advised. 



Each tree will then be distinctly on a mound, 

 and it is important that this be three feet wider 

 than the spread of the roots, or in other words, 

 their extremities should be eighteen inches from 



