THE FRUIT GARDEN. 



311 



the soil is various ; where some is good, and some is very in- 

 different; in such cases, we must either improve the bad soil, 

 or in planting, suit the different kinds of fruits to the nature of 

 the different soils contained in the intended orchard. It would 

 be a fruitless task to plant where the bottom is not naturally 

 dry, or capable of being made so by draining. Wet, heavy, 

 stubborn soils, are to be avoided equally so with soils which 

 are of a light, sandy, sterile nature. The shining gi'avelly 

 soils disagree very much with fruit-trees, unless there be a 

 good quantity of loam intermixed with them. On a soil rather 

 shallow, and on a chalky bottom, they seldom succeed ; and 

 where the bottom is a cold spongy clay, they seldom thrive. 

 But where such is the case, and other circumstances com- 

 bining, the ground may be prepared by trenching, and ele- 

 vating the stations for the trees above the general level, which 

 will in a gi'eat measure secure their roots for some time from 

 penetrating into the noxious sub-soil. When trees are planted 

 in such situations, the roots may be prevented from extending 

 to an unnecessary depth, by placing rough pavement under 

 them, or laying a floor of brick, or forming one of clay and 

 coal-ashes, allowing both to be pretty dry before the trees are 

 planted. To each tree planted may be given three or four 

 wheelbarrows full of good surface-mould, v/hich has been pre- 

 pared for them for some previous months by frequent turning 

 and exposure to the atmosphere. Dung should be avoided in 

 all cases, unless the soil be very poor indeed, and then it 

 should be of the rottenest description, as nothing tends to 

 produce canker and gum so much as strong dung, although 

 we see it practised daily by many who, in other respects, are 

 excellent fruit-growers. In regard to the size of an orchard, 

 that must be regulated entirely by the use for which it is in- 

 tended, as well as the quantity of fruit expected; also the 

 quantity of cider or perry intended to be made ; and the extent 

 of ground fit for the purpose, or which can be conveniently 

 spared. 



V 



