HO W TO PROCURE TREES. 27 



true that they are sometimes injured by the cold 

 of winter. This is certainly true of the peach. 

 It may therefore be judged best to lessen risks 

 by delaying planting until spring. Except in 

 the case of evergreens (which, being always in 

 leaf, require to be treated on a different princi- 

 ple), it is well to plant as early in the spring as 

 we can find the soil dry and friable. It is not 

 well to put the roots in cold, clammy earth, to 

 be paralyzed by a long period of inaction. On 

 the contrary, it is important to keep the soil open 

 and warm, so as to induce root action as speedily 

 as possible. Excessive moisture is decidedly 

 prejudicial. Frequent light stirring of the sur- 

 face will allow air and warmth to penetrate to 

 the roots and promote quick action. After 

 growth has fairly started and as hot and dry 

 weather sets in, a light mulch of litter will serve 

 to keep the ground moist and not overheated. 

 Mulching among fruit trees should be done with 

 judgment, depending much upon the character 

 of the soil and the condition of the trees. Often 

 a heavy and compact mulch is very injurious, 

 especially upon heavy lands, tending to bring 

 the roots to the surface and preventing the influ- 

 ence of air and sunlight upon the soil. The effect 

 may seem favorable for one or more seasons, but 

 it will soon be found that the roots are all on 



