THE planter's GUIDE. 



171 



better to break the force of any sudden tempest. All 

 these measures are to be taken at some convenient time 

 between November and April ; but in situations of par- 

 ticular exposure, it would be prudent, on account of the 

 winds at the vernal equinox, to postpone the trenching 

 uutil that trying season be past. 



In th'e month of April the whole surface must be well 

 dunged for a potato crop, if possible with fermented peat 

 compost, which is the best ; or if that cannot be com- 

 manded, with good farm-yard manure ; and this, with a 

 crop of flax, or barley, or early oats, and with one of hay 

 immediately following, will more than cover the entire ex- 

 pense of grubbing up, trenching, and otherwise preparing 

 the nursery. By the end of the fourth year, the trees 

 that were considered as the handsomest, and were left with 

 the largest solid spaces round them, and the longest roots, 

 may now be removed, and others in succession, as they 

 are found to acquire the necessary prerequisites. Should 

 there be then regular transplanting work going forward, it 

 will supersede the necessity of the second thinning. 



But in any transplanting nursery judiciously formed, it 

 is not to the spade only that trees are to be indebted for 

 complete preparation. The axe and the hedge-bill must 

 likewise do their office ; and both are advantageously to 

 be employed in fashioning the tops to whatever shape or 

 character may be desirable. Most trees growing freely 

 are disposed to assume the conical form. To render them 

 tall and spiral, so as that distant objects may be shown 

 between, or under their boughs, it will be proper to cut 

 away all the lowermost branches, or such others as seem 

 from their luxuriance to rival the leading stem, leaving 

 one stout or main leader pre-eminent above the rest. It 

 will be advisable also, to displace the branches of the sides 

 in general, and suffer no more to remain than are judged 



