40 The Rural Library. 



the fact that soil and subsoil may have been removed to such an 

 extent that the hole has to be dug in hardpan or some substratum 

 equally sterile. In such case the quantity of poor ground that must 

 be dug out and of good soil substituted to secure something like nat- 

 ural conditions is seldom fully appreciated. Another fact likely to 

 be overlooked is that an ordinary sidewalk sheds water like a duck's 

 back, and special provision must be made to supply sufficient mois- 

 ture during each season of vegetation for years. At first mulching is 

 of great advantage to this end. But in dry weather an occasional 

 copious watering should be given systematically until the tree is fully 

 established, and in certain situations this must be continued to some 

 degree perpetually. In all such operations the best rule is, never 

 sprinkle, always soak. Occasional saturation to the extremities of all 

 the roots is better than frequent sprinkling. Another common error 

 is planting too near the curb line and too close together in the row. 

 Any young tree within four feet of the curb is ten times more likely 

 to be gnawed by horses than one twice as far back. The roots also 

 should be considered, and given a fair chance to spread on all sides. 

 Ample distance apart contributes not only to the health and symme- 

 try of the tree, but also allows a pleasant play of sunshine and breeze 

 to the people on the street. Close planting may look best for a few 

 years, but the spread of the trees at maturity should always be pro- 

 vided for. The future cutting out of each alternate tree is a lovely 

 illusion fondly embraced, but never realized ; but in reality a sad 

 delusion because it is rarely done, and never done soon enough. Tt 

 may be a deeply inspired full-blown resolve, but it has no substance. 

 It is only a soap-bubble that floats before you for a moment, and in- 

 stantly melts out of sight. Some protective guard against ill-bred 

 horses, worse-bred drivers, careless workmen on the street or adja- 

 cent lots, and the daily run of miscellaneous accidents, is necessary 

 for years. Nothing yet invented is conveniently applicable to small 

 trees or always effective. A temporary railing on the curb line, though 

 unsightly, is more useful than a casing for each tree. When the 

 trunk becomes thick enough, a strip of fine galvanized wire netting 

 wrapped loosely around it as far up as a horse can reach is cheap, 

 serviceable, neat, unobtrusive, and can readily be adjusted to the 

 growth of the tree from year to year. The damage done to street 



