46 RATIONAL FRUIT CULTURE. 



of the roots; and it retains the moisture in the soil. In some 

 districts of South Africa, where there are extensive orchards, 

 rain does not fall for many months, and vegetation is liable 

 to be scorched up, yet by means of frequent hoeing — " dry 

 farming," it is called — the trees are enabled to grow well and 

 to bear heavy crops. In this country we have much less to 

 fear from drought, but even here it sometimes produces dis- 

 astrous effects, especially in light land. When the soil is left 

 undisturbed for a time, the particles settle together in a com- 

 pact mass, intersected by innumerable tiny channels which 

 communicate with the surface. It is through these channels 

 I hat, in dry weather, the moisture escapes into the air. By 

 means of the hoe, they are broken up, and the loose layer of 

 soil which is formed on the surface greatly reduces the loss. 

 These are the ideal conditions for growth — a firm layer for 

 the roots to develop in, and a loose layer above them. 



AITIMN DIGGING. 



In autumn or winter the land may be forked over. But 

 care is needed near the trees, otherwise the roots will be 

 injured, and suckers will be the result. The dipping should 

 there be confined to a mere pricking of the surface. It is 

 safest to dig from each tree, not towards it, and especially not 

 across the lines likely to be followed by the roots. There is 

 then much less chance of damaging them. 



The question whether manure of any kind is wanted must 

 be decided by observation of the trees. They cannot be ex- 

 pected to make very imicli growth in their first year, because 

 they have lo form a new root-system — to become established 

 is the term often employed — before tlicy do so. .Vfterwards, 

 if (hey grow satisfactorily, they obviously have as much food 

 as they require, and to give them more before they have used 

 up what they have would delay flowering and fruiting. On 



