THE OLIVE 



65 



taiu any number of truncheons that should unite all these qualities; 

 especially as the tree has to be pruned, with this object in view, for 

 three or four years beforehand. As may be imagined, a tree that has 

 been robbed of three or four truncheons, is not improved in appear- 

 ance, and it takes much time to cover up the space left bare. The limb- 

 once cut off, should be placed in the holes prepared for them as 

 soon as possible; so much so, that both acts should be performed 

 simultaneously, but if through an unavoidable delay, owing to dis- 

 tance of transportation, or some similar cause, the truncheon should 

 have dried somewhat, soak it in water for a day or two, and then 

 put it in wet earth to a depth of two, or two and a half feet. 

 But after all said and done, do not fail to plant it as soon as possi- 

 ble. Supposing everything to be ready, first throw a shovel full of 

 well fermented manure into the bottom of the hole already pre- 

 pared; this being the more necessary the less fertile the soil, over 

 this an inch and a half of some of the best top soil, then place the 

 truncheon upright in the center and cover with good top soil taken 

 from another spot, press down with the feet, and leave a slight 

 dej^ressiou about the plant, if there is a prospect of rain, or if it is pro- 

 posed to give it water. After watering, or a rain, the ground which 

 has settled should be replaced, and then heaped as high on the plant 

 as possible. The warmer the climate, the more necessary this will 

 be found. 



In the south of Spain, and Portugal, where this method is prac- 

 ticed, it is customary to build up on the plant, a cover of mud to a 

 height of five feet leaA'ing only one foot of it exposed, where it buds. 



The advantage of covering a plant in this way, is plain, as we 

 know it evaporates its moisture, and having no roots to absorb with, 

 the more sun and air it receives, the faster it loses the elements that 

 are to help its growth. So truncheons are often seen with the 

 upper part dead, and dry from the heat of the sun; then, they 

 bud from below. When covered, this rarely happens. Half way 



