67 



ing that a border of six feet wide, and one foot deep, 

 is sufficient to support trees luxuriantly. Those who 

 grow peach trees in pots have an evidence of this 

 from the small quantity of soil which is required to 

 maintain them in vigour. When manure is wanted, 

 it can be given in a liquid form, and in such quanti- 

 ties as the cultivator may think proper. A breadth 

 of border is preferable to a depth of soil. The roots 

 in the former situation will ramify under the influence 

 of solar heat, and the nutritious gases of the atmos- 

 phere, which give flavour to the fruit and stability to 

 the wood. As a covering for shallow borders, decayed 

 tan is a very suitable material. It always presents a 

 clean appearance, and is a great absorber of heat. 

 {Gard. Journ, 1846, 60.) 



It ought to be kept in mind that if the border is 

 very shallow no cropping must be permitted over the 

 roots, or at least none that requires a spade. A very 

 sound loam also should be used for making the border, 

 or the trees will be liable to suffer in hot periods. 

 Mr. Cramb's advice is very good on the whole : we 

 do not, however, like the old tan, unless it is removed 

 when getting much decayed. We would rather cover 

 with rotten farm-yard manure, which is never too sti- 

 mulating on the surface, providing nothing but sound 

 loam has been used in making the border, and that 

 the border is free from the lodgment of water. 



The drainage should be effected by draining tiles ; 

 F 2 



