320 WESTERN FRUIT BOOK. 



excavation need not be larger than the roots of the young 

 trees require for their accommodation ; from eighteen 

 inches to two feet square, and about one spade deep. If, 

 however, the land be in grass at the time of planting, the 

 holes should be made four or five feet in diameter, and 

 should be deeply excavated. 



Flaiitiiig the trees, will require the exercise of great care 

 and judgment. If the stations have been well laid out, 

 and carefully excavated, the trees may readily be made to 

 range with that perfect regularity which gives a pleasant 

 character of artistic propriety, that will be a source of 

 satisfaction for many years. To insure this result, it will 

 be best to set range stakes in either direction ; after a few 

 trees are planted, they will aid in the correct setting of 

 the remainder. 



We shall not need the theories of the terraculturist, but 

 simple observation, to induce us to plant the trees at the 

 same depth they previously occupied in the soil — the 

 collar should be at the surface. To this end, the hole 

 should be partiall}^ filled with good mellow^ soil, a little 

 raised in the middle, and upon this bed the tree is to be 

 placed, in its proper position in regard to range and depth. 

 Then the finest mold is thrown lightly on the roots, after 

 they have been carefully spread out. Gentle pressure by 

 the foot, will aid in setting the earth about the roots, after 

 taking particular care that the fine earth has been well 

 worked in among the fibers. Some planters recommend 

 the application of a bucketful of water at this stage, par- 

 ticularly if the soil be dry; but others cone der this of 

 doubtful propriety, particularly when the land is stiff and 

 clayey. Yfhen the natural soil is poor, or unkind, and 

 not well prepared, it will be necessary to use a good com- 

 post for filling up the holes ; but great care should be 

 taken to avoid the application of any strong or fresh ma- 

 nure. Eotten sods, with old decayed chip manure, or 



