52 
THE APPLE. 
nishing how systematic attention to these minute matters forwards the 
planting of apple and other trees, and helps and perfects the process, 
which is rather a trying one to novices in horticulture. Where a number 
of trees are to be planted, it is a good plan to partially plant all before 
finishing any. 
As soon as the roots are thoroughly covered over with soil the tree 
is out of danger. The levelling in of all the earth, smoothing the sur - 
face, and other final processes of planting, may then be proceeded with 
more leisurely. It used to be a common practice to tread the trees in. 
This is a dangerous practice. No one hardly would think of treading 
over exposed roots, and it does not mend the matter much though these 
roots be covered over with a thin layer of earth. The mischief is hidden,, 
but the treading ruptures the roots all the same. The weight of the soil, 
followed by the winter’s rains and snow, consolidates the roots sufficiently 
without treading them in. Others, again, flood the roots home. This 
means something more than a common watering. It is, in fact, to drench 
the earth till it becomes something like mud, and the soil in this wet 
state settles down around the roots and holds them firm. This is 
very useful for late planting, but is seldom necessary for the planting of 
apple trees in November. Secure the tree to a stake, plant it suffi¬ 
ciently deep, cover the roots with fine soil, and leave time and weather 
to do the rest. 
The question of depth to plant is rather a vexed one, and may be 
considered as of vital importance. As in most matters, so in the planting 
of apples, a medium depth is best. With the roots all on the surface 
growth is weak and life mostly short. Boots running too deep result in 
huge boughs and sterility. Practically, too, most trees decide the proper 
depth for themselves. However trees are raised, whether from seeds, 
cuttings, grafts, buds, or layers, they speedily reveal a ground line or 
collar, all above which is stem, all below roots. This line can only 
be altered at the peril of cultivators. Eaise it higher out of the earth 
than nature intended, and you unduly and injuriously check growth; 
sink lower, and you invite disease and kill the plant. The planter has 
only to observe the natural ground line and plant up to it, and he is 
sure to be right; ignore it—bury it or hoist it up into the air—and the 
tree suffers in the ratio of the interference with the collar of the plant. 
Cover apple roots at planting time with from 6in. to 9in. of soil, and 
the majority of them will be found permanently within a range of Gin./ 
to 24in. of the surface. 
Starting from a level base, the roots will have little inducement to bore 
into the subsoil. Many of the older practitioners erred in raising the 
base of the foot run in the centre ; they were anxious to keep up the 
