254 MANURES FOR TREES 



only with reference to their light requirement, but 

 also to the period of their development or rapidity 

 of growth. 



Trees afford shelter from winds and are of great 

 value in a garden. It is well known that many 

 shrubs, fruit trees, etc., will grow in gardens 

 sheltered from winds, but not otherwise. 



In the formation of plantations, orchards, etc., 

 the preparation of the soil is of the utmost import- 

 ance, and deep digging is essential, so that rain 

 may be readily absorbed (the action of water on 

 soil and plant has already been described). Not 

 only is the absorbing power of the soil increased 

 by deep digging, but the ability of such soU to re- 

 tain moisture under proper cultivation is marked. 



The soU should now be pulverised, so that its 

 particles may be brought into contact with the 

 roots of the trees, and thus supply them with 

 mineral matter and moisture. 



Deep digging and pulverising are as important 

 in preparing the land for trees as ploughing and 

 harrowing are in the preparation of a field for a 

 crop of wheat, barley, or oats. Not only will trees 

 start more quickly when set in well-prepared and 

 manured soil, but the growth will be more uniform 

 and strong. It is also of equal importance to keep 

 the surface soil in fine tilth until the trees have 



