96 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY, 



be the difference between the two thermometers. The difference between the- 

 two with the same amount of moisture also differs wifh the temperature, but 

 we can easily make or procure tables giving the proportion of water in the air 

 indicated by difference between the two thermometers at different temperatures. 



In taking up trees the spade should be used with the side towards the tree. 

 The tree can be raised with nearly the same ease in this way, and with less 

 damage than if the spade were inserted at right angles with the roots. After 

 taking up the tree, all bruised or broken roots, also those cut by the spade, 

 should be cut off with a sharp knife, as they will heal over more readily if cut 

 with a sharp implement. The tree while out of the ground should be protected 

 from the wind. I usually use old coffee sacks to cover the trees while taking 

 them to the field to set. I am somewhat at variance with most people in regard 

 to puddling trees. If a tree has been abused, puddling may do some good; 

 but if the tree has been used well, I think it would not be best to puddle. As 

 to depth for setting, I prefer to set the collar of the tree at the surface of the 

 ground. 



Mr. S. p. Tracy -My father in setting a hemlock hedge put water around 

 the trees, and every spring he had to resft one-half of his hedge. After a time 

 the water was neglected, and now there is a good hedge. 



Mr. Parmelee — I like very much this talk about transplanting trees. We 

 must not pay attention altogether to what is told us, if what is told us is 

 against our experience. If experience is against puddling trees, it is best not 

 to puddle. In reference to transplanting in the fall. I apprehend the theory 

 — and it is but a theory — comes from the fact tiiat there is a growth going on 

 in the winter. All nursery men know that root grafts packed away in the 

 cellar from their union during the winter; also upon the other end of the root 

 is a callus formed. It is the same with the trees in the ground. This callus 

 is the preparation for the roots to start ; and so far tliat is all right. But here 

 is one fact: This does not compensate for the moisture stolen from the tree 

 during the winter. If I am against anything, it is fall Sitting of trees. I 

 have tried it, and never had trees do first rate thus set. I believe there are 

 instances where puddling trees would be beneficial, and that is when they are 

 not fresh. If the trees where not fresh, I would not puddle, for it has a tend- 

 ency to make the fibers hang down in a mass, and they cannot be set out in as 

 good shape as without. The crown of the tree is somewhat dependent on the 

 soil in which the tree grew. If in the clay it will be near the surface of the 

 ground; but if in sand, the crown will be much below the surface. I should 

 set trees the same as they stood in the nursery, if upon the same kind of soil. 

 In regard to cutting the tops I know there is a difference of opinion between 

 men. I have cut and got a good growth, and have got a good growth without 

 cutting. I don't know if there is any philosophical reason for it, bat if my 

 tree is dry I cut more, but if not I don't cut. I don't see the force of cutting 

 off the limbs because the roots are cut, any more than I can see the force of 

 cutting off a man's arm because he has had a leg cut off. 



Emmer Ladd— Does ^t make any diffeieuce if lives are not set the same side 

 to the south as they stood in the nursery ? Some claim that it does, and if not 

 so set they will twist around until that side is in its right pine?. 



Mr. Tracy — I know of trees at the College that are twisted twice around. 

 I suppose they had forgotten and did not know when to stop. But it is will 

 to discuss these questions. There may be more in them than setms. I do not 

 believe it makes any difference which side a tree is set to any point of compass, 

 but would like to hear more on this subject. 



