OF SOIL AND MANURE. 343 



if it exists at all ; and, as the circle formed by the 

 roots is generally greater than that of the branches, 

 the proper manner of applying manure is to introduce 

 it into the ground at a distance from the stem about 

 equal to the radius formed by the branches. And, 

 yet, although this is so evidently right, I have seen 

 a gardener, who ought to have known much better, 

 sedulously administering liquid manure, by pouring 

 it into the soil at the base of the stem; which is 

 much the same thing as if an attempt were made 

 to feed a man through the soles of his feet. 



