42 MY VINEYARD. 



root on every side. Over this some dry dirt was then 

 placed, and over this some mulch. Not only did the tree 

 not wilt, or loose its leaves or blossoms, but it went on 

 as though it had not been disturbed by its removal, and 

 actually bore a full crop of excellent fruit that same sea- 

 son. For fifteen years, and I know not how much longer, 

 the tree remained luxuriant and vigorous. Concluding 

 that this method of planting was a good one, I adopted 

 it as a guide worthy of being followed. 



A supply of w\ater was obtained without much difficul- 

 ty, by drawing it in barrels on a stone-boat. The trees 

 and water being at hand, I proceeded with the planting. 

 In the holes some fine surfiice soil was first 23laced, of suf- 

 ficient depth to bring the tree a little deeper than it had 

 been in the soil where it grew. The dirt in the center of 

 the hole was made a little higher than at the edges, so 

 that the roots, when spread out, should slope a lit- 

 tle downwards. With a sharp knife such roots were 

 cut off as had been injured in digging, leaving a clean, 

 smooth surface. I then placed the tree in the hole, spread- 

 ing out the roots evenly in every direction. Some of the 

 finest surfiice soil was then thrown on, and worked down 

 between the roots, so as not to leave any vacant places. 

 A little more dirt was added, and then two pails of water 

 slowly and carefully poured on. This settled the soil 

 completely around the smallest roots. The holes were 

 then filled, and the soil pressed down with the foot. As 



