FOR THE FRUIT GARDEN. 215 



In clayey soils it is usual to employ horse and sheep 

 manure rather fresh, and in lighter soils that of the 

 cow. We prefer, however, crushed bones, woollen 

 rags, waste wool, hair, or feathers. This forms very 

 powerful manure, decomposes slowly, and the effect is 

 greatly prolonged. It is better for the trees than ordi- 

 nary manure. It will be sufficient to repeat such 

 manuring every seven or eight years. Any surplus 

 manure that remains may be dug into the border occu- 

 pied by the roots. 



To COUNTERACT EXCESSIVE DRYNESS OF SOIL. 



The operations consist in watering, covering, and 

 keeping the surface of the soil light and open. 



Watering. The great heats of summer render fre- 

 quent waterings necessary, most of all in light soils, 

 and for trees recently planted. In order to prevent the 

 hardening of the surface of the soil, it is desirable to 

 cover the foot of the tree with litter. Young trees 

 ought to be well watered every eight days. Liquid 

 manure is preferable to water when it can be had, as it 

 stimulates the activity of the vegetation. Watering 

 should always be performed after sunset. 



Lightening the Soil to the depth of two inches imme- 

 diately it begins to dry and harden. This will take 

 the place of watering for trees after their "first year of 

 planting. This practice is most resorted to upon strong 

 lands. 



Covering. This produces the same result as the last, 

 and consists in covering the soil round the trees with 

 dried leaves, decomposed straw, fern, &c., to the depth 



