30 
inches more. By the bottom of the platform, I mean the sur- 
face of the brick or rubbish stratum. 
Stations, for general purposes, should be made from six to 
eight feet square ; any material, of an impervious character, 
will be suitable. My practice is to cover the bottom with bro- 
ken bricks, which are placed a single layer thick on dry and 
sandy subsoils ; but if clayey and stagnant, six to nine inches 
thick. On these, when levelled at the surface, I sprinkle a 
good coat of cinders, to fill up the interstices; thereby securing 
drainage. One general observation I must here make, viz. — 
that, as to depth, it is a great error, on shallow soils, to make 
the soil any deeper than the natural depth of the ground ; 
the roots, in such a case, on reaching the outside of the pre- 
pared stations, would find an impenetrable breast-work of sub- 
soil, which they could not, and ought not, to enter. When the 
natural soil is thus shallow, the platforms should be prepared a 
foot wider on each side, and elevated six inches higher, and 
should accordingly have a sounder or more clayey soil. 
In preparing the soil for the stations, I must be understood 
as advising, not the most perfect mode of all, but the most 
economical ; and one within reach of the amateur, on a small 
scale, who may not, at all times, be willing to go to the expen- 
diture of those who possess extensive domains. 
First, then, the hole over the station ought to be half filled 
with new turf, from sound loamy soils, if possible. This turf 
may, if the staple be good, be cut six inches thick ; each turf 
cut in four quarters with the spade, and tumbled into the hole, 
in a rough state. Above this, the remaining part of the hole 
should be filled with materials not quite so porous ; one half the 
volume composed of peat soil, of as sound a character as can 
be obtained. If the fresh soil be rather clayey, chopped sticks, 
or the bottoms of a faggot pile, might be strewed in alternate 
layers: these will serve to secure a readier access to the 
atmosphere. 
The above general rules, as to the preparation of the stations, 
if carried fully out, will be sufficient to command a tolerable 
share of success. They will be generally adapted to the 
Apple, the Plum, and the Pear. With regard to the Vine, the 
Fig, the Peach, &c., more special directions will be required ; 
which I will endeavour to furnish in due course. 
