74 PROFITABLE FKUIT-GROWING. 



the outside of the mound. It is surprising how 

 well trees grow and bear in wet, low-lying soil 

 when thus planted, especially if the outer edge ol 

 the mound be thickly covered with manure or litter 

 of any kind in summer, to keep the soil moist there; 

 this encourages the multiplication and extension of 

 roots near the surface, and these produce fruitful 

 wood ; whereas, if the roots are driven down to 

 the cold wet subsoil in search of moisture, the 

 growth resulting, though it may be strong, is essen- 

 tially unfruitful. If a layer of soil and ashes from 

 burnt vegetable refuse be spread on the mounds 

 annually, and a covering of manure given in 

 summer, the trees will continue in a profitable 

 bearing state for many years. 



Three main points to be kept in mind when 

 planting, are 1, always make excavations much 

 wider than the extension of the roots when spread 

 straight out ; 2, never sink the stem deeper than 

 it was before the tree was dug up from the nursery, 

 judging by the earth-mark on the bark; and 3, 

 never plant when the soil is in a very wet, unplea- 

 sant working state, but bear in mind previous 

 remarks on the subject. 



Root and Branch Pruning. Though the 

 figures previously referred to show how planting 

 should and should not be done, they are too small 



