29 
Peaty Soils. These being generally damp and low, are 
seldom chosen for either the orchard or garden. When such, 
however, is the case, thorough draining is the first step; and 
burning, if their be a good depth of peat, is the next ; after 
which, dressings of marl, loam, sand, ditch scourings, or in fact 
almost any refuse matter, will improve it by increasing its 
tenacity. It would be well, however, after all this general im- 
provement, to plant on stations. More care is required, 
perhaps, with peaty soil, than with that of any other quality, 
when it is intended as the site for fruit trees. Without due 
admixture, it is generally ill calculated for giving due strength 
to the strong-wooded trees. The Apple-tree, like the Oak, 
flourishes most iu a strong sound loam, a|)|)roaching to clay or 
marl ; the Pear-tree, again, like the Elm, luxuriates on a 
somewhat lighter soil, and where gravel and a dry pervious 
bottom prevails. 
Subsoils. A deep and strong loam, on a gravelly bottom, 
is, above all, to be preferred, either for the orchard or kitchen 
garden. Marl or clay ranks next in importance, where the 
surface has a good slope; affording thereby facility of draining. 
It is not by any means uncommon to make such a bottom arti- 
ficially, to what I term stations; therefore if the natural subsoil 
partake of this character, its eligibility for an orchard is evident. 
One caution, however, is necessary, which is applicable to all 
retentive soils, viz. that is to plant above the ordinary ground- 
level. In which case it will follow, that in the adoption of 
platforms, they should be raised so as throw the most inffuential 
roots clear above the subsoil altogether, and perfectly within 
reach of tlie ameliorating power of the atmosphere. Peaty 
Subsoils are to be rejected at all times, as the site of an 
orchard or kitchen garden. Such are a constant source of ma- 
laria, if I may so use the term, to the vegetable world in general. 
I now come to the consideration of the Platform mode of 
planting; by which I mean, making separate Stations for each 
tree, in preference to the exjicnse of attempting to correct or 
improve the staple of a whole garden. Under the dwarfing 
system, it is surprising what a small quantity of soil is sufficient, 
provided it be of a proper texture. On cold clays, the bottom 
of the platform may, for general purposes, be fifteen to eighteen 
inches; but on upland, or sandy soils, it may be allowed three 
255. AUCTARIOM. 
