62 Ohservalions on planting Fruit Trees. 



planting; they should be taken only from the covering as they 

 are wanted. 



Having placed the tree in the situation allotted for it, by 

 no means deep in the ground, (for it is much better to err in 

 planting shallow than too deep,) begin to arrange the lower tier 

 of roots by leading and spreading thetn out carefully and regu- 

 larly, not placing one across another, but giving each root its 

 natural position, having a man to assist, in order to steady the 

 tree, and to give the earth as it is wanted; direct him to place 

 the mould where the tree is held by the hand., which will be 

 near the fntnfc where the roofs issue from; then spread it evenly 

 over the roots, and so proceed around the tree; this done, fill 

 up with the earth until the next tier of roots is reached, and be 

 sure to adjust it firmly with your hands, in order to be certain 

 that there are no hollow places or cavities which have not been 

 \veliyi//ef/ up; arrange the roots as before, and cover them in 

 the same manner as the first; and so continue on, bedding the 

 roots in regular order, but more especially the small fibrous 

 ones, tier after tier, until the whole are covered over two 

 inches below the surface of the ground; then tread the earth 

 gently around the tree, and work the surface over lightly with 

 the spade, which will give it a finished appearance, and the 

 operation is completed. 



It will be perceived that treading and beating the earth solid 

 upon the roots, more especially the small fibrous ones, is not 

 recommended in these remarks, as the writer is of the opinion 

 that the roots are very much injured by such foul treat- 

 ment. 



The same system of planting is recomtnended for forest 

 trees, only the tops should not be pruned like a bean pole, but 

 in a conical form, or as nearly resembling the shape of the Lom- 

 bardy poplar as possible; the branches only to be shortened, 

 and not cut off close to the main stem. 



J. W. Russell. 



JMount Auburn, Cambridge, Jan. 1841. 



Our article in a preceding page, was sent to press before 

 Mr. Russell's came to hand. His remarks are worthy of at- 

 tention, as being the result of many years' experience in the 

 planting of trees. It will be seen that he guards the cultivator 

 against deep planting. — Ed. 



