70 



WATERING ROOTS. 



Previously to commencing the watering in 

 spring, the ground should be loosened about 

 two or three inches deep, to the extent it is 

 intended to pour the water; this assists the 

 water in sinking properly into the border. 

 If the border be in cultivation by any escu- 

 lent, &c. let the spaces between the rows be 

 lightened up. When the soil of the border 

 is very light, it will not require turning up 

 so deep. 



This practice, in order to assist the water 

 in sinking properly into the border, is very 

 far preferable to what I have observed to be 

 adopted by some persons, who make holes 

 in various parts of the border hy means 

 of a stake or iron crow; this method I con- 

 sider does more harm than good, for I have 

 seen the roots considerably damaged by it, 

 some being split through the middle; the 

 effects of which soon became apparent in the 

 upper part of the tree, for I have observed 

 trees of stone fruit to canker afterwards, which 

 before this accident had no appearance of 

 it. 



Espalier trees do not require so great at- 

 tention in this particular as wall trees do, 

 because their roots can be allowed to extend 

 on every side. Beside the dews fall more 

 fully upon them, and they derive more bene- 

 fit from the free circulation of air; nor is the 

 soil dried so soon as that of the borders, by 

 the great reflection of heat from the walls. 



