36 RATIONAL FRUIT CULTURE. 



FIMSUINi; PLANTING. 



The holes can now be filled in. This should be done by 

 laying about half the soil over the roots and treading it down, 

 and then dealing with the remaining half in the same way. 

 If a rammer, a long block of wood with an upright handle 

 in the centre, is available, it may be used to finish the work. 

 Of course, the amount of ramming should depend on the nature 

 and condition of the soil. If it is very heavy and very wet, 

 and has not been mixed with plenty of grit to lighten it, 

 much ramming would make it as solid as stone. At this 

 season there is no need to water. It is, however, a good plan 

 to dip the roots in water, or to spray them thoroughly just 

 before planting, as this causes the soil to adhere to them. 

 Finally, if a mulch of manure is laid around each tree, it will 

 lessen the chance of the ground being frozen hard during the 

 winter. 



