SOILS AND MANURES. 



29 



year been remarkable. The trees and Vines were 

 copiously watered, and a thick deposit of lime was 

 found adhering to the drainage. The roots were 

 finely developed, while vigorous and healthy 

 growth was visible everywhere. Other experi- 

 ments have fully established the value of lime. 



The border for Peach trees should always have 

 a good slope. Its width, for walls 10 feet high, 

 should be about 5 feet, provided this space is never 

 encroached on. A rich calcareous loam, of an 

 unctuous texture, soft to the touch, made pervious 

 to air and heat, is a favourable soil for the Peach. 

 Manures should be gradually forked in, but the 

 roots should be so near the surface that forking 3 

 inches deep would be dangerous. These Peach- 

 borders should not be further disturbed save for 

 weeding. Although thus near the surface, roots 

 can be readily protected from the effects of evapo- 

 ration during the summer by mulchings of litter, 

 and, in the same way, from excessive cold. 



Calcareous matter (old lime rubbish, powdered 

 oyster-shells, and broken bones), should be added 

 to the extent of one-sixth of the soil. Manures 

 composed of well-rotted vegetable refuse, inter- 

 mixed with stable-droppings, allowed to stand for 

 some time before using, and well turned fortnightly, 

 with lime and soot intermixed, are excellent. 

 Summer mulching should not be applied till the 



