APPLE. 13 



importance of this rule in planting fruit trees. The 

 consequences of deep planting" are, unkindly growth, 

 canker, and barrenness. Many extensive orchards 

 have been utterly ruined by mismanagement in this 

 particular ; and where trees of ten or twelve years' 

 standing appear to be suffering from this misfortune, 

 better it is to have the whole taken up, and replanted 

 properly, than allow them to remain unprofitable en- 

 cumbrances on the ground. The nature of the sub- 

 soil, it is necessary to repeat, should also be well 

 considered ; if very wet, whether clay or gravel, the 

 trees should be planted proportionably higher, even 

 on the surface, rather than run the risk of the roots 

 getting too deep, which they are apt to do in dry 

 summers, in search of moisture. So much has this 

 circumstance been dreaded by orchardists, that the 

 author is acquainted with one instance, in which an 

 extensive orchard, belonging to an ancient priory, 

 was completely paved with stone under the trees, to 

 prevent the roots descending into the wet subsoil, 

 and w^ith the best effect. 



The roots of fruit trees should always be invited to 

 keep near the surface ; this can only be done by ap- 

 plying top dressings of suitable compost ; and not dis- 

 couraged or disturbed by the spade for the purpose 

 of raising surface crops of annual vegetables. 



General Management of Apple Trees. — Much of 

 this branch of the subject will be imparted under the 

 different kinds described in the catalogue. We only 

 stop to mention here, that as the roots are found 

 more durable than the head, the latter may be re- 



