PLANTING, 225 



bright by the use of emery cloth, and then write or neatly 

 print the name thereon by means of a quill pen and special 

 ink. The latter is prepared as follows: Verdigris, two 

 drachms ; sal ammoniac, two drachms ; lamp-black, one 

 drachm; water, four ounces. Mix well in a mortar, and 

 then store in a glass-stoppered bottle. Another recipe is : 

 Mix a small quantity of sulphate of copper in a little 

 water, and, after burnishing the label, write the name by 

 means of a quill pen. Either will remain indelible for 

 very many years. 



Concrete Foundations. When fruit trees are grown 

 against walls or, indeed, in the open air and the sub- 

 soil is of heavy clay and probably very damp in nature, 

 it is desirable to guard against the roots descending into 

 this by concreting the base of the site. The holes should 

 be cut out about 4ft. deep. In the bottom place 6in. of 

 rough rubble, and arrange for a 2^in. drain to be con- 

 nected therewith, and to pass away to the nearest main 

 drain. Over the rubble lay down a bed of concrete 6in. 

 deep in the centre, but gradually sloping away to 3in. 

 at the sides. Such a concrete base should be not less 

 than 6ft. square for each tree. Over this place the com- 

 post. Remember that it is not of much practical use to 

 make such foundations unless provision is made to carry 

 off the water. 



