348 TREES. 



transplanting at all times, and in all soils, is leached wood ashes. A 

 couple of shovelfuls of this may be used (intermixed with soil) 

 about the roots of every tree, while replanting it, with great advan- 

 tage. Lime and potash, the two largest inorganic constituents of 

 all trees, are most abundantly supplied by wood ashes ; and hence 

 its utility in all our soils. 



We have, previously, so largely insisted on the importance of 

 trenching and deepening the soil, in all cases where trees are to be 

 planted, that we trust our readers know that that is our platform. 

 If any man wishes to know how to improve the growth of any tree 

 in the climate of the United States, the first word that we have to 

 say to him, is to " trench your soil." If your soil is exhausted, if 

 your soil is thin and poor, if it is dry, and you suffer from drought, 

 the remedy is the same ; deepen it. If you have much to do, and 

 economy must be considered, use the subsoil plough ; if a few trees 

 only are to be planted in the lawn or garden, use the spade. Always 

 remember that the roots of trees will rarely go deeper than the 

 " natural soil," (say from 10 to 20 inches on the average,) and that 

 by trenching two or three feet deep you make a double soil, and 

 therefore enlarge your " area of freedom " for the roots, and give them 

 twice as much to feed upon. If you are a beginner, and are skepti- 

 cal, make a trial of a few square yards, plant a tree in it, and then 

 judge for yourself 



