37 



interwoven, and covered with moss, that the fruit can 

 scarcely be seen ; and these are, of course, very small 

 and inferior. In the grass grounds of Gloucester- 

 shire, and by some superior cultivators on arable land 

 in Herefordshire, they may be frequently met with at 

 least twenty yards apart. 



The mode of planting appears to be what is com- 

 monly termed the quincunx or angular mode : to this 

 there need be no objection. As to the mode of plant- 

 ing the trees, very little ceremony is observed in 

 general ; many are what gardeners would term stuck 

 in, rather than planted. 



We would advise some pains to be taken, however ; 

 especially if the soil is not first-rate, and perhaps 

 stubborn. In the latter case it would be necessary to 

 open the holes in the autumn, and to let the exca- 

 vated soil become mellowed through a long winter by 

 the action of the frost. In addition, we would use a 

 little mellow compost round each tree ; such as an 

 old manure heap, composed of furrowings and ma- 

 nure, which has lain a long time, and has been turned 

 and thoroughly blended. "We would also add a little 

 mulch on the surface, to protect the roots from 

 drought, until the trees are established. The month 

 of November is the best time, providing the soil is 

 mellow and the land generally in order : when, how- 

 ever, this is not the case, the latter end of February 

 would be preferable. 



