On Planting Trees, ajid Staking. 5 



Mulching may answer for young stock only three to four or five inches 

 in the soil ; but of what use is it to a tree which has its roots from ten to 

 twenty below the surface ? Instead of this, I should suggest good soil near 

 the roots, principally rotten sods ; then frequent hoeing during summer to 

 keep the earth open and free from weeds, leaves, or insects ; and a good 

 spading before frost comes, leaving the ground rough or in big lumps. 



This last operation — working the ground before winter — is of very 

 great importance in regard to insects ; since all that deposit eggs and larvae 

 in the soil will deposit them at a depth sufficient to protect them against the 

 frost. Some descend even a great deal deeper, and remain several years 

 in the ground : but, in the fall, they will ascend, and stay during the winter 

 below such a thickness of soil as Nature will teach them ; and, in spring, 

 they will take advantage of the soil loosened by the frost to burrow them- 

 selves through, and climb up the next trees. Now, it is natural, that by 

 keeping the ground free from weeds, and by opening it by spading or 

 ploughing, that will penetrate to a greater depth than it would do other- 

 wise, and surprise and destroy a good many larvae that will be reached 

 by this operation. It may also destroy the roots- of biennial plants, and 

 favor the action of the atmosphere upon the roots that will approach the 

 surface. 



A great advantage may be obtained in opening holes for trees before the 

 winter by availing one's self of the influence of the frost. Supposing holes 

 required of three feet square and two feet depth, this corresponds to eigh- 

 teen feet, cubic measure. Admitting such holes opened before the winter, 

 and the frost acting only on the inner surfaces to a depth of six inches all 

 around, the result will be, that there will be twice the cubic quantity of soil, 

 reduced to a much better condition, for the success of the roots. Such 

 advantage must be obvious. 



I have been in the United States for twelve years, and in this business 

 from childhood, as were my ancestors for two generations. From our long, 

 united experience, I am led to believe, that, whatever changes in other prac- 

 tices difference of climate may compel, the course here recommended will 

 be found more or less advantageous everywhere. 



E7ig. A. Baumann. 



Rahway, N. J. 



