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the whole into the centre at the stake ; and mixing it an 

 much as possible by that operation, form a liigh and narrow 

 heap round the stake. Let them next open the pit to the 

 depth wanted, as before noticed ; but, instead of trenching or 

 double-digging, they must turn out the contents to the out- 

 side edges ; throwing over, for every stratum of a spit deep, a 

 corresponding stratum of the mixed mass from the centre, till 

 the pit is thus excavated to the proper depth. As soon as the 

 stake is driven down, the workmen begin, each at a different 

 part of the mound thrown out, and work round the pit, so as 

 to give a sort of half-trenching or turning over to the mound, 

 by tossing it to and fro, throughout its whole extent. The 

 contents being in the loosest possible state, this can be done 

 with great rapidity ; and when the workmen meet in the 

 half-trenching, the business is completed. The pit is then 

 ready for the immediate planting of the tree. Thus, the 

 greatest comminution of these mingled ingredients is ob- 

 tained with the least labour, and by only once throwing out ; 

 but the most intimate mixture is absolutely necessary. It is 

 true, that the process, however compendious, is an imperfect 

 succedaneum to the slower maceration or preparation by na- 

 ture: but an entire year is saved by adopting this method, 

 which at times may be of consequence to the owner of a 

 place ; while there are not perhaps many gardeners, who 

 can boast of their hothouse mould being of a texture more 

 perfect than that which has been produced by it. 



Next, as to groups and larger masses. By a group of trees 

 is to be understood any number from two (which is the 

 smallest group) to ten, or more, in the lawn or park, intended 

 for some particular effect. As the distances between the 

 trees are generally from sixteen to twenty feet, according to 

 the ground, it is obvious, that, after trenching as many large 

 spaces or circles as there are trees in the group, not more than 

 a third part of the whole space or area occupied will remain 

 solid or untouched, between the circles. In all caaes of this 



