TREE-PLANTING 255 



grown sufficiently to shade the ground. Deep 

 digging gives a large absorptive area, and surface 

 cultivation places over the moist soil a dust blanket 

 that acts as an eflfective mulch, checking evapora- 

 tion and thus retaining the moisture of the soil for 

 the use of the trees. 



After heavy rains, stirring the soil will prevent 

 the formation of a crust, and will greatly benefit 

 young trees and shrubs. 



Weeds and long-rooted grasses should be 

 destroyed, because they use the nourishment from 

 the soil that is needed for tree growth and develop- 

 ment. 



Many trees, both young and old, would be saved 

 from disease and decay by a proper system of 

 cultivation. Let the cultivator remember that 

 even trees require attention and care, and many fine 

 old timbered trees are ruined for want of cultiva- 

 tion and manuring. We are apt to think that 

 trees require little or no attention — the soil, air and 

 moisture provide all that is necessary. This is a 

 mistake — and a serious mistake — in any well-kept 

 orchard, plantation or garden. In the words of Sir 

 William Eamsay, let us remember " the advantages 

 of investigating the unlikely." All trees pay for 

 proper cultivation and manuring at the right time 

 and season ; by so doing we help nature, and are 



