03 



JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



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

 then tread it in firm (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 plant- 

 ing 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 best to plant the tree 

 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 straight 

 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 allow the stake to chafe through the bark. 



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

 up with soil till a fine day comes, than to plant in wet, sticky 

 weather. 



No turf should be laid over the roots of newly planted trees ; 

 but keep the surface clean from weeds ; and at intervals for the 

 first two years lightly stir it two or three inches deep to let in 

 sun and air. 



