A Few Explanations and Directions 



CHAPTER xx. 



A FEW EXPLANATIONS AND DIRECTIONS. 



IN writing this book, it has been, at times, convenient to apply 

 terms commonly in use by professional gardeners. 



As the exact significance of some of these may not be 

 known to all readers, it has been thought that the following 

 explanations and directions may be of service. 



MULCHING AND TOP DRESSING. 



As stated in Chapter VI, mulching is the best means of pre- 

 serving a steady degree of moisture in the soil and of keeping it 

 at an even temperature. It also prevents the soil from cracking 

 and proves beneficial on account of its substance being washed 

 into the soil by rains or artificial watering; in fact, there is no 

 practice more beneficial to newly planted trees or plants, of almost 

 any kind, than a good mulching, especially in a climate like ours. 

 It saves much labor in watering, and, as has just been stated, is 

 the best means of preserving a uniform degree of moisture in the 

 soil surrounding the root. This is emphasized by repetition, as it 

 is a most important point and, other things being equal, plants 

 will languish or thrive just in proportion as this condition is 

 secured. 



Although mulching is apparently a very simple operation, it 

 must be carefully done. Before mulching a newly planted tree, 

 the soil should be shaped in the form of a basin, the rim of which 

 is extended one foot beyond the extremity of the roots. The rim 

 should be three or four inches higher than the bottom of the basin 

 so that rain or water applied artificially will be retained. The 

 mulch should be kept at least three inches away from the stem 

 of the tree. 



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