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JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



them ; then spread out the roots next above these, adding 

 more soil ; then those above them, and so on, giving a little 

 shake now and then to let the soil run in between the fine 

 roots. 



v. When all the roots are spread out and covered, give 

 the tree a good vigorous shake ; add a little more soil, and 

 then tread it in firmly (not hard) and fill up the hole slightly 

 above the surrounding soil, as it will sink one or two inches. 



vi. Put a strong stake to the tree, and be sure that the 

 way the two are fastened together is such as to make it 

 impossible for the stem of the tree to chafe itself against the 

 stake when the wind blows. 



vii. Protect the trees from rabbits, cattle, and sheep. 



It is impossible to exaggerate the importance of all the above 

 details of planting. 



If the natural soil is very poor, a little better garden soil 

 may be brought for (iv) shaking in amongst the roots, just to give 

 the tree a good start, but no dung whatever should be used 

 under the ground, though a thin layer over the surface when 

 the planting is done will be helpful. 



It is very important not to plant too deep (iii), especially in 

 wet or heavy land. In very wet land it is a good plan to plant 

 the trees almost on the surface, and to mound the earth up to 

 and over the roots. 



It is very important to spread out all the roots, down to the 

 smallest fibres (iv), and none should be allowed to take a directly 

 downward direction, but every one duly spread out, slanting 

 very slightly downwards from the point at which they grow out 

 of the stem. 



It is very important that the soil should not be left loose 

 about the stem and roots (v), but firm treading does not mean 

 hard ramming. 



It is very important to fill up the hole two or three inches 

 above the level (v), and not leave a hollow for stagnant water to 

 fill. 



It is very important to stake the tree (vi) firmly, so that the 

 roots are not strained by the wind ; but better not stake at all 

 than so as to let the stake chafe through the bark. 



It is better to lay the tree in, just lightly covering the roots 



