108 JOUKNAL OF THE KOYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



depth should be such that the upper roots will be about 3 or 4 inches 

 below the surface when finished. 



(v) The roots will generally be found to be growing from several 

 parts of the stem. Spread out the lowest roots carefully on the 

 mound, and scatter a little fine earth over them ; then spread out the 

 roots next above these, adding more soil ; then those above them, 

 and so on, giving a small shake now and then to let the soil run in 

 between the fine roots. 



(vi) When all the roots are spread out and covered, add a little 

 more soil and tread in firmly (not hard), and fill up slightly above 

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



(vii) Give one good watering — unless the soil be very damp. 



(viii) Put a strong stake to the tree, and be sure the two are 

 fastened together in such a way as to make it impossible for the 

 stem of the tree to chafe itself against the stake when the winds 

 blow. If two stakes can be used it is better. 



(ix) Protect the trees from rabbits, cattle, and sheep. 



(x) As soon as the land is dry enough in spring, hoe the 

 surface to prevent evaporation. Constant hoeing is one great secret 

 of success in fruit-growing. No drought will hurt trees that are 

 hoed every ten days. In America fruit-growers hoe once a week. 



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 (v), shaking it amongst the roots, just to give the tree a good 

 start ; no dung whatever should be placed in contact with the roots, but 

 a thin layer over the surface when the planting is done will be helpful. 



It is very important not to plant too deeply (iv), especially in wet or 

 heavy land. In very wet land plant the trees almost on the surface, and 

 mound the earth up over the roots. 



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

 fibres (v), and none should be allowed to take a directly downward 

 direction, but every one ought to be 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 (vi), but firm treading does not mean hard ramming. 



It is very important to fill up the hole 2 or 3 inches above the general 

 ground level (vi), and not leave a hollow for water to collect in and become 

 stagnant round the stem. 



It is very important to stake trees (viii) 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 trees in, covering the roots well up with 

 soil, for a time, than to plant when the ground is in a wet, sticky con- 

 dition, or during frosty weather. 



No turf should be laid over the roots of newly-planted trees, but 

 keep the ground clean from weeds, and lightly stir it at intervals for two 

 years all over the surface 1 or 2 inches deep, to admit sun and air. 



The purchase of trees at markets and auctions cannot be recommended. 



