262 THE FRUIT GARDEN. [NOV. 



them; after which, the ground should be sown 

 down in grass. But until then, the ground should 

 be properly cultivated, though not cropped, close 

 to the trees ; and a moderate quantity of manure 

 should be digged in every second or third season. 



This is a very proper time for doing so> whether 

 the intervals be under crop or not. If they be un- 

 der crop, pay respect to the spaces next the trees 

 only ; but if not, the whole ground may be digged. 

 It should be laid up in a rough manner, giving it 

 as much surface as possible, in order that the wea- 

 ther may fully act upon and meliorate the soil ; thus 

 fallowing it, as far as the case will admit. Observe 

 to dig carefully near to the trees, and so as not to 

 hurt their roots and fibres. If the soil be shallow, 

 and if these lie near to the surface, it would be ad- 

 visable to dig with a three or four-pronged fork,, 

 instead of a spade. 



^December* 



IN the Fruit Garden for this month, whatever is 

 directed to be done in November, or in January, 

 may go forward ; provided the weather be favour- 

 able for the purpose. The state of the weather, 

 however, is generally such at this season, that ex- 

 cept priming, little can be done to good purpose. 

 To plant, when the ground is in a wet state, is 

 wrong ; nor is it right to dig or trench unless it be 

 dry, and somewhat friable/ 



