METHODS OF PLANTING SMALL PYEAMID TEEES li5 



PLANTING 



In most cases it is only necessary to open holes, but 

 in stiff and cold clay soils the bottom of the hole 

 opened should be filled ia with gravel or brick rubble, 

 and the tree planted on a mound ; but in ordinary well- 

 drained soils it is sufficient to open holes for the trees 

 in accordance with their size ; the bottom of the hole 

 should be convex, so that the water does not settle in 

 the middle. The holes should be opened some three 

 weeks before planting, and the best soil reserved for 

 the roots; at the time of opening the holes TmV the 

 soil with good rotten dung, and chalk or lime if 

 necessary. If the weather is very dry at the time of 

 planting, the trees should be watered during the 

 operation, but it is very seldom indeed that the weather 

 during our autumn' requires this treatment. The soil 

 should be lightly and firmly pressed round the roots, 

 which should be carefully laid out radiating from the 

 stem, so as to form ultimately a secure support for the 

 trees, no matter from which quarter the wind blows. If 

 the trees are slender fasten them to a stout stake, which 

 they will need until they are firmly established. 



Another method of growing small pyramid trees 

 (that is, from seven to eight feet high) in soils naturally 

 bad, can be employed with perfectly good results, and 

 makes the fruit-tree amateur independent of soil. Plant 

 the trees in large pots, No. 6 or No. 4, which have been 

 perforated at the sides (this will be done by the potter 



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