144 



THE planter's GUIDE. 



In executing the trenching, if the pit be to stand for a 

 twelvemonth or more before transplanting, the compost is 

 to be laid down in half-loads round the stake which marks 

 out the site of the pit, and at such a distance as not 

 to obstruct the workmen. The dimensions are then to be 

 marked out for middle-sized trees, of from five-^nd-twentj 

 to eight-and-twenty feet high, in a circular form, and at 

 two " spades" and a half distant from the stake, or about 

 eighteen feet diameter. This is the mode of measuring 

 usual among our workmen ; the spade being that superior 

 and efficient implement, about three feet eight inches long, 

 called the " Scotch spade," with an iron handle at the 

 upper end of the shaft, and not the common garden 

 spade, which is of little use, except for stirring loose 

 mould. 



Supposing the subsoil to be sand or gravel, and of 

 a sufficient depth to admit of the pit prescribed, the next 

 thing to be done is, to wheel away from the side at which 

 you are to begin as much earth as will close in the last 

 trench, and to lay it down for the purpose on the opposite 

 side of the pit. The compost being of two kinds, clayey 

 and peaty, as already described, should be dashed on, or 

 scattered like lime upon a field, as the trenching proceeds, 

 over the entire surface of the work, so as to mix the whole 

 in the completest manner ; and when the trench is closed 

 in at the farther side, it should lie for a twelvemonth, as 

 before stated. 



Supposing, on the other hand, that the soil be deficient 

 in the competent depth, (a thing which has unfortunately 

 too often happened at this place,) there is no remedy but 

 to supply the want with earth brought from some other 

 quarter. A few cart-loads are all that in most instances 

 are required; and a little practice will teach the planter 

 to procure it from the cleanings of drains or ditches, from 



