41 



and at this period we would take extra steps to reno- 

 vate and sustain the weakened constitution of the tree. 

 Top-dressing now becomes necessary, and although 

 not a matter of ordinary practice in the cider districts, 

 yet one not the less necessary. Wfe have known many 

 a fine old tree sink by degrees unassisted; whilst, for- 

 sooth, young trees full of vigour, and from which the 

 trouble and expense might well have been spared, 

 were revelling in manures. As this is not a common 

 practice, we will explain how we think it would be 

 rendered practicable. 



The mere shovellings of the fold-yard, or the slutch, 

 would be excellent material for this purpose ; such is 

 generally rich in urinary matters, which would speedily 

 be carried down by the rains to the roots. When the 

 trees were to be renovated by such matter, it should 

 be laid on several inches in thickness ; and as such 

 would require a good deal of manure, as well as labour, 

 a few trees might be done each autumn. 



We would pare off the turf from the surface of the 

 roots four inches in thickness ; and then lay on the 

 manure, replacing the thick turves, in a light way. 

 The turves should be cut in small squares of about 

 six inches ; this would afford numerous crevices for 

 the rain to enter, in order to carry the properties of 

 the manure to the roots. 



In this way much valuable assistance might be 

 afforded, which we have no doubt would be amply 



