324 FRUIT AND ITS CULTIVATION. 



expected ; but such trees really need to be planted several 

 years in advance of the fruit trees, to be large enough 

 to protect the latter during the early, stages of growth. 

 Lombardy poplars are the most rapid growers that can 

 be planted, but, if an evergreen is preferred, there is little 

 to beat Cupressus macrocarpa, which grows fast and 

 makes a dense shelter, whilst it also stands clipping if 

 necessary. Austrian pines are often recommended as 

 shelter, and are, no doubt, excellent in districts where they 

 grow quickly, but we have found them too slow. Where 

 only slight shelter is wanted, a double row of Damsons 

 planted on the outside of the plantation itself is often 

 enough. Forest trees should be separated from the fruit 

 trees by the width of a headland or road, as their roots 

 rob the fruit trees if put too close. 



Soil. About soil it is only necessary to say that, whilst 

 a deep alluvial soil is naturally best, it is merely essential 

 to avoid such extremes as stiff clays, dry sands, and 

 gravels, and very shallow land. Practically any land that 

 will grow ordinary farm crops well can be made to grow 

 fruit. 



Preparations for Planting. The preparation of the soil 

 for planting in gardens and small orchards is fully treated 

 in a previous chapter, but different methods are called 

 for when we come to deal with areas too large to dig by 

 hand. Drainage must, of course, be seen to where neces- 

 sary, and some steps taken to break up the subsoil. Plant- 

 ing after ordinary shallow ploughing is a mistake- The 

 best preparation is to allow a subsoil plough to follow the 

 ordinary plough down each furrow; or the land may be 

 broken up with a steam cultivator going twice over the 

 field, and penetrating as near 2ft. deep as possible. If 

 the land is foul, or has been under grass, it is best to take 

 a crop of potatoes before planting fruit trees, as these 

 are a good cleaning crop, and ensure the thorough work- 

 ing of the soil, besides which they are generously manured. 



To mark the positions to be occupied by the trees, the 



