100 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



Having chosen our location, we are ready for transplanting 

 the trees. In our latitude, the spring is preferable, owing to 

 the trying winds of fall and winter. The trees should be 

 three to five years from the bud, of good vigorous growth, 

 well-ripened wood, straight stems, medium to low-headed ; a 

 good thrifty top indicates good roots. Such trees should 

 be selected for the orchard. Before planting, prune out 

 all superfluous shoots of slender growth in the head, leav- 

 injr three or four main branches to form a head ; let in the 

 light and air for the perfection of growth ; the top must be in 

 proportion to the roots ; if there is a loss of many roots, cut 

 back the tops so as to secure a proper balance between the 

 two ; the ends of all roots must be cut oS smoothly, so as to 

 heal sooner and tlirow out young fibres, — the life of the new 

 tree. Always secure the most roots possible on the trees you 

 purchase, and in the best order, for on these depend the life 

 and aftergrowth of the trees. 



As to the arrangement of the trees, the best form is a 

 square, the right distance thirty feet apart, the rows being 

 straight each way. After thoroughly ploughing and mark- 

 ing out the lot, dig the holes large enough to receive all the 

 roots, the subsoil to be loosened up. Some surface-soil hav- 

 ing been thrown into the holes, have the tree about as deep 

 as it is set in the nursery, place around the roots carefully the 

 rich soil, but no rank manure whatever should be allowed 

 near the roots, but firmly place the loam around all the little 

 roots, gently shaking the tree, then fill up and tread down 

 firmly. If the roots are still wet, as they should be, no water 

 should be turned on the tree after transplanting. To keep 

 the ground moist, put a good mulch of straw, old hay, etc., 

 all over the surface, or stir the surface of the soil by frequent 

 cultivating or hoeing, for there is no better preventive of 

 drought than constant and deep cultivation of the surface. The 

 trees will require more or less pruning during their growth ; 

 let the heads be shaped right whi'e young, by being kept 

 open, removing all weak-growing shoots so as to give vigor 

 to the tree. While young, the only instrument required will 

 be the pruning-knife. Always cut clean and smooth, that the 

 wound may heal soon. From the seedling tree, through all 



