USE OF WATER IN THE NURSERY 79 



growth without irrigation, and many nurseries are on ground not 

 provided at all with irrigation facilities. In other parts of the State 

 irrigation is necessary. Water should be applied sparingly, and 

 yet enough to keep the seedling in healthy growing condition. This 

 is shown by the leaves, which should not drop or curl. Excessive irri- 

 gation should be guarded against, because a soft, excessive growth 

 is very undesirable. Water is a good thing, and in some cases a 

 very necessary thing, but the use of it should be wisely regulated. 

 At budding it is necessary that the sap should be free and the bark 

 slip easily. To foster this condition it is sometimes desirable to 

 give a watering a few days before budding commences. Water 

 should be applied by running it through shallow furrows between 

 the rows, and the cultivator should follow as soon as the ground is 

 dry enough to work freely. 



