31 



a shallow rooting crop may with safety be taken off, 

 provided that even then the seed is not allowed to fall 

 within five feet each way of the trees. If this be done 

 for a year or two with safety, it is as much as can be 

 ventured ; after which, any crop raised, in place of being 

 taken off, should be ploughed in, to restore what the pre- 

 vious crops have taken out of the soil. It is quite 

 possible, however, that the soil, in situations such as 

 those which I advocate for the Olive, may not be suffi- 

 ciently good to make it worth while to attempt a green 

 crop. In that case, rather than waste the space which 

 is not wanted by the trees in their young state, the far- 

 mer might advantageously grow pumpkins, in holes 

 specially manured, and feed them to pigs ; always remem- 

 bering that the worst of our gravel ridges, when first 

 broken up, will give at least one crop of sweet potatoes. 

 While, however, careful cultivation within certain limits 

 between the trees may be permitted, not only must any 

 crop be kept well away from the trees, but the soil about 

 them must be periodically stirred as deeply as is com- 

 patible with safety to their roots. Illustrations C and D 

 are introduced to exemplify labor-saving implements for 

 keeping loose and clean the surface of the soil. (See 

 Index to Illustrations.) 



Manuring with suitable fertilising substances, at 

 intervals, forms an important element in the successful 

 cultivation of the Olive, especially in soils naturally 

 poor. While the tree rejoices in the mechanical loose- 

 ness of sandy, gravelly, and stony soils, and in freedom 

 from stagnant moisture, the Olive is not among the 

 very small number of fruit-bearing trees which are most 

 fruitful in sterile soil. Nutriment is necessary to its 

 productiveness ; and if not already in the soil, must be 

 introduced artificially. But manure also acts mechanic- 

 ally in retaining moisture, and thus helping the tree to 

 withstand drought, and effecting a saving of labor in 

 watering; which, if the manure has been well dug in, 

 may be done less frequently. The stronger kinds of 

 manures are recommended for the Olive, such as pigeon 



