372 PROTECTION BY MULCHING. 



and to acclimatize those which are not quite hardy. It has also 

 been suggested that certain trees and shrubs need to be protected 

 from the sun, as well as from cold and wind. This fact will be 

 noted in the descriptions of them. 



We now come to the special treatment of newly planted trees, 

 premising that the general conditions just given have been com- 

 plied with. 



Mulching. — Mulch signifies any substance which may be 

 strewn upon the ground to retain its moisture for the benefit of 

 the roots which it covecs, or to serve as a non-conductor of the 

 coldness or the heat of the air, and to retain the natural warmth of 

 the earth beneath. Mulchmg may be done in a great variety of 

 ways, and for diiferent purposes. Summer mulching is intended 

 to protect the soil from too rapid drying under the direct rays of 

 the sun. Winter mulching is designed to prevent the sudden and 

 excessive freezing of the earth. 



Leaves are the natural mulch for forest trees. At the approach 

 of winter, observe how all the trees disrobe their branches to drop 

 a cover of leaves upon their roots. The winds blow them away 

 from the great trunks which are deep rooted and need them least, 

 to lodge among the stems and roots of the underbrush which need 

 them most. Leaves being the most natural cover for roots are the 

 best. But they cannot be used to advantage in summer in well- 

 kept grounds because of the difficulty of retaining them in place, 

 and their unsightly effect when blown about on a lawn. In 

 autumn, however, they should be gathered, when most abundant, 

 for a winter mulch ; and can be retained in place by heavy twigs 

 over them. The twigs and leaves together catch the blowing snow 

 and thus make a warm snow blanket in addition to their own pro- 

 tection. For summer mulching, saw-dust (not too fresh) and 

 " chip-dirt," are good and tidy protections. Old straw is excellent, 

 but is unsightly and too disorderly when blown by winds to be 

 satisfactory in neatly kept places ; and when used too freely 

 harbors mice. Tan-bark is a favorite summer mulch, and very 

 good if not put on too thick. Evergreen leaves and twigs are 

 admirable for either summer or winter mulching, but especially for 



