TREE CULTURE IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA. 27 



-time subsoiled to a deptt of at least fifteen inches, or more if possible, 

 after which it will be in good condition for the reception of the yomig 

 plants. 



In the case of planting on land which has undergone a preparation by 

 means of the plough and subsoiler, the usual method is simply that of 

 opening holes in it, at the desired distance apart, of size sufficient for the 

 reception of the j'omig trees, as the work of planting them proceeds. In 

 this case the land is clean, free, and open to a depth of over fifteen 

 inches, and therefore it is, in all respects, in a fit condition to admit the 

 roots of the young trees getting down into it. For all small plants, it is 

 not absolutely necessary to further open the subsoil where the ground 

 has been so prepared ; but for large plants some further opening up of 

 this will be required when the holes are dug. This should be done to at 

 least a depth of 18in., and the holes made I8in. to 2ft. wide on top. 

 Land which has been properly ploughed and subsoiled ought, if the 

 work has been properly done, to be in the very best condition for 

 planting, and this with holes as above is in a much better state for the 

 reception of large young trees than land prepared with holes 4ft. square 

 and no ploughing. 



Without dilating further upon this subject, I would simply give my 

 readers this piece of advice : — That while taking care never to dig the 

 holes less than 18in. square, make them much lai'ger if you can, as by so 

 doing the better will it be for the plants in the end. 



By deep subsoiling, the roots of the plants get well down the first 

 season, and moisture will be drawn up to them by the heat of the sun, 

 and perfect success wiU be the result. 



. In planting on hills and mountain slopes, where no cultivation can weU 

 be brought to bear on the land as a preparation for planting, holes should 

 be opened on the natural surface all over the ' part to be put under 

 trees, and at the distance apart that may be considered proper, according 

 to the nature of the case and the object in view. These holes should be 

 made of sizes according to the nature of the land : that is, if the laud is 

 naturally deep and porous, they should be dug about 24in. on the side 

 of the square on top, and of the same depth ; but if it be retentive in the 

 subsoil, the holes should be made 30in. square on top and 24in. deep. 

 By this method of planting, I have been very ; successful in growing 

 ■extensive plantations in uncultivated districts. Should the soil be of a 

 hard clayey nature, the holes had better be opened a month or two before 

 planting, in order that by the action of the sun and weather it may 

 become pulverised and sweetened before being put round the tender 

 rootlets of the plants. 



In all cases, the soil taken from the bottom of the holes should be 

 returned there, and the surface portion reserved to be put about the roots 

 •of the young trees when planting them. 



