FRUITS. 151 



short time ; but in the way they are generally taken up, leav- 

 ing most of the roots in the ground, and planted leaving on 

 all the top, they are apt to linger along for years (if they live 

 at all) before recovering from the treatment. A moderate- 

 sized tree, with a vigorous, healthy growth and plenty of 

 good, fibrous roots, will generally in five yeaus be better than 

 the large one, transplanted as above ; but for orchard-plant- 

 ing, or for a hundred or more trees, we would advise not 

 to take more than two or three years from the bud, but 

 those the very best selection. Trees are often much injured 

 by exposing the roots to the sun or wind. We should re- 

 member that all their nourishment is derived through the 

 small or fibrous roots, and a few hours' exposure of these to 

 a drying or cold wind will injure them more than a journey 

 of weeks, when the roots are protected with damp moss 

 or litter. 



In planting, the holes should be dug deep and wide, say two 

 or three feet deep and as many wide ; the subsoil should be 

 thrown to one side and replaced with top-soil. A little old 

 fine manure, worked well in with the dirt in the bottom of the 

 hole, will do no injury, but no new manure should be' used 

 around the roots. The tree should be planted as deep as it 

 formerly stood in the nursery. Those who have only small 

 gardens will always be well repaid for "trenching" the entire 

 plot eighteen to twenty-four inches deep. In that case no 

 deep holes to be filled up will be necessary. It is important 

 (but often neglected) to cut smooth the end of every root 

 before planting, for however well the trees may be taken up 

 with the spade, the roots will be left rough and broken. In 

 planting trees, a person should not be afraid to get upon his 

 knees and make good use of his hands. Every root and fibre 

 should be carefully straightened out, and fine soil be well 

 worked in, so that every cavity may be packed full. Here is 

 one great secret in transplanting trees of any kind, to have 

 the dirt come firmly in contact with every root. Do not, as is 

 sometimes recommended in books, lift the tree up and down 

 to work in the dirt, but hold it perfectly still till finished. 

 No water need be used, unless the ground is very dry, when 

 a pailful may be thrown upon the roots after they are covered, 

 and the dirt drawn over that. As soon as the ground becomes 



