THE planter's GUIDE. 



331 



able that those three were all of the spreading sort, which 

 is more delicate than the upright. On examination I 

 found that a heap of earth, near the spot, (which had 

 been intended for compost,) was bj accident wheeled up 

 against the trees, covering their roots for several yards out, 

 and to the depth of between two and three feet above the 

 natural smface. The effect thus occasioned, of retaining 

 the moisture, was abundantly striking, from the deep and 

 healthful green of their leaves ; for, although not a drop 

 of rain fell for six weeks, during the months of June and 

 July, yet no watering was required by them. 



Since the period in question I have tried the same 

 experiment, and with similar success. But, as quan- 

 tities of earth are not always at hand, a substitute 

 has been adopted which is more easy of transportation. 

 It consists of the coarsest refuse of flax-mills, after both 

 the tow and the flax have been separated, and therefore 

 of no value whatever for any other purpose. This sub- 

 stance is always to be found in abundance at such places. 

 By laying it as far out from the tree as the roots extend, 

 and to the depth of from four to six inches, it forms 

 nearly as good a covering as three times the earth, for the 

 intended purpose. As it is both close and light in its 

 texture, it is well adapted to receive as well as to retain 

 the moisture, that may be supplied either by rain or by 

 the watering-pan. 



Of late years, however, I have attempted a bolder 

 remedy, which, whether it be ultimately found to succeed 

 or not, is worthy of the planter's attention. This is no 

 less than to remove the tree previously to the ascension 

 of the sap, and while the leaves are in full verdure.'''' 

 The beginning or middle of October I should consider as 



* Note XIV. 



